Alas hoping Knights find maturity in Season 86

Letran coach Louie Alas admits that his team has yet to find the maturity to compete in the 86th NCAA men's basketball tournament. The Knights are in danger of missing the Final Four for the first time since 2002 having only four wins against seven losses for solo sixth spot in the standings. "This team is still young so they have yet to mature," said Alas after Letran's 72-58 drubbing of Arellano last Monday to revive the Knights' fading Final Four bid alive. In that contest, the Muralla-based squad ripped the Chiefs apart in the fourth quarter to complete the win and avenge their slim 78-76 defeat in the first round. It was also sweet redemption for Letran, which suffered a stunning 63-61 loss to Mapua a week ago after wasting a 14-point lead with three minutes remaining left in the contest. "We have so many young players so it's tough closing out games," said Alas. "We're hoping for a stronger finish and maybe catch up in the race for the Final Four." Despite being Arellano, Letran is still 2 1/2 games back of Mapua for the last Final Four berth. The Cardinals tote a 6-4 card while the Chiefs are in fifth at 4-6. Without recently-drafted PBA rookies Rey Guevarra and RJ Jazul, the Knights, who have made the semis in the past seven seasons, had to rely on several no-name holdovers in their campaign. Alas has never held a losing record since taking over the team in 1998. Actually, the former MBA champion coach of the Manila Metrostars is currently in his second stint with the school after spending time in the pros from 1999-2001. - JVP, GMANews.TV