NCAA Final Four: Letran Knights joust with San Sebastian Stags

Letran tangles with a different San Sebastian team from the one it faced in their previous encounter when the Knights begin their attempt to overhaul the Stags’ twice-to-beat advantage Monday in the Final Four of the 87th NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The third-ranked Knights battle the second-seed Stags at 4 p.m. at The Arena in San Juan hoping to duplicate their 82-81 overtime win against them in the second round last September 30. It was San Sebastian’s first loss after 15 games. Letran lost to San Beda in their final game of the eliminations, 84-68, last October 7 for a 14-4 win-loss record but will be facing a San Sebastian team that is trying to bounce back from two straight setbacks against the Red Lions. But coach Louie Alas stressed that it will still be a tough task to beat the Stags in two straight occasions especially at this juncture of the tournament. “They’re the second best team in the league. San Sebastian will be San Sebastian," Alas said. “Not only will we have to contain Abueva, Pascual and Sangalang but all of a sudden, we also have to contain the reserves particularly Lyle Antipuesto, Michael Miranda, Jovit Dela Cruz and Anthony Del Rio," said Alas. Alas hopes that Jam Cortes and Raymond Almazan will help Letran win the rebounding battle against San Sebastian, an aspect that he believes will be vital against the Stags. Kevin Alas is also expected to be guarded heavily as the wily guard had 22 points including the game-winning triple in their previous match-up against the Stags. After leading the league for most of the way, San Sebastian dropped to second place after it bowed to San Beda, 88-85, in a playoff for the number one spot on Friday. It was the Stags’ second consecutive loss to the Red Lions. Things could have turned from bad to worse as the Stags will face the Knights, the team that handed their first loss of the season after 15 straight victories, but coach Topex Robinson welcomes the challenge. “We know that Letran is a pretty good team," said Robinson. “I saw how San Beda pressured us and it would not be a surprise if Letran does the same. We are ready for that." - OMG, GMA News