Cardinals battle surging Knights

Games today:

(Filoil EcoOil Centre)

11 a.m. — Mapua vs Letran

2:30 p.m. — Lyceum vs JRU

Defending champion Mapua University takes on a surging Letran College side on Tuesday in Season 101 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Tip-off is at 11 a.m. as the Cardinals aim for their fourth win in six games while also putting an end to the Knights’ three-game winning ways.

Mapua is coming off a 70-79 loss to San Beda University last Friday.

Marc Cuenco led the Cardinals with 13 points in a losing effort while team captain Clint Escamis was limited to two points, two rebounds and three assists.

Mapua coach Randy Alcantara said he wants Escamis to be more active on the floor apart from helping out in the scoring chores.

“He doesn’t have to prove anything. He already was an MVP (Most Valuable Player) and we need him to be more of an all-around player,” Alcantara said.

“He knows his role in the team. He can shoot, pass and the rebounds and steals are already in Clint’s system.”

Meanwhile, Letran has found its rhythm after losing its first three games of the season.

Rookie Jonathan Manalili dropped a triple-double game of 13 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists as the Knights pulled off a 95-93 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University last Saturday.

Knights head coach Allen Ricardo believes having these kinds of games would help them mature as they face stronger opponents.

“You won't be up by a big margin every game so this is a lesson for us to gain maturity on both offense and defense,” Ricardo said.

Kevin Santos and Jimboy Estrada are expected to back up Manalili after scoring 16 and 15 points, respectively, against Lyceum.

Meanwhile, Jose Rizal University faces Lyceum in the 2:30 p.m. second game of this explosive double-header.