Aurin Kim Aurin of Perpetual Help challenges the defense of JM Bravo of Lyceum in this fourth-quarter action in the NCA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament at FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City. Photo by Dennis Abrina

Knights, Lions resume NCAA rivalry

September 30, 2022 Theodore P. Jurado 237 views

MINUS its two key players, defending champion Letran hopes to do what’s left on its arsenal against San Beda in their NCAA men’s basketball rivalry game at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Brent Paraiso and Mark Sangalang will serve one-game suspensions as the Knights eye a piece of the lead in their 3 p.m. clash with the Red Lions.

With a 3-1 record, Letran hopes to rejoin College of Saint Benilde and Lyceum of the Philippines University, both sporting 4-1 slates, on top of the standings.

But without Paraiso and Sangalang, the Knights cagers are hard-pressed to extend their winning streak to three games.

Paraiso and Sangalang were ejected for separate unsportsmanlike behaviors in the final period of Letran’s 67-62 win over Mapua last Tuesday.

Averaging a team-best 12.75 points this season, Paraiso’s offense will be sorely missed while Sangalang’s hustle, being the squad’s top rebounder with 10.25 per game, without a doubt, will be lacking in the duel of the league’s fierce rivals.

Fran Yu will remain the main man for the Knights along with Kurt Reyson, King Caralipio, Pao Javillonar and rookie Kobe Monje.

San Beda, which is currently tied with San Sebastian and Jose Rizal University at 2-2, is eyeing for its first back-to-back wins of the season.

The Red Lions are fresh off a week-long lay-off after a 78-71 win over the Stags. San Beda was supposed to play University of Perpetual Help System Dalta last Sunday but the game was postponed due to Super Typhoon “Karding”.

Mired on a four-game losing streak after a rousing opening day win over the Red Lions, the Cardinals hope to break out from the slump against the Bombers in the 12 noon curtain raiser.

JRU has been solid in those two victories, including last Friday’s 70-67 nipping of Arellano University.

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