Mark Sangalang will be one of Letran’s vital cogs in extend its domination in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. NCAA/GMA photo
Knights open bid vs Generals
LETRAN hopes to shrug off the departure of MVP Rhenz Abando as it faces Emilio Aguinaldo College to open Season 98 hostilities of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament on Sept. 10 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The three-peat seeking Knights collide with the Generals in the first game of an opening day doubleheader at 3:30 p.m. right after a hour-long opening ceremony – the league’s first face-to-face rites in three years.
After steering Letran to its second straight championship last May, Abando left the Muralla-based school to suit up for Anyang KGC in the Korean Basketball League.
With Abando gone and Jeo Ambohot now in the pro ranks, the Knights will turn to captain Fran Yu, Mark Sangalang and Brent Paraiso to extend their domination in the NCAA.
Letran has struggled in the off-season, highlighted by a surprise early exit in the just-concluded PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, missing out the playoffs after a strong start.
Last season’s runner-up Mapua and San Beda, parading a new coach in youthful Yuri Escueta, clash in the other opening day game – a rematch of the Season 97 Final Four.
Like the Knights, the Cardinals and the Red Lions were also groping in form in the off-season tournaments.
Other marquee match-ups to watch out is the much-anticipated Letran-San Beda rivalry game at 3 p.m. on Sept. 30 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The rematch of this season’s Final Four between Letran and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta is set at 3 p.m. on Oct. 8 at the San Juan arena.
The first Battle of Intramuros between the Knights and the Cardinals – a rematch of this season’s championship – will be played on Oct. 11 at 3 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
