Letran’s Jimboy Estrada (left) and Titing Manalili (right). Photo handout/FilOil Preseason Cup Media Team.MANILA — Colegio de San Juan de Letran looks like it's making up for lost time with the way it has been playing in the 18th Filoil Preseason Cup.
Winners of three straight and sitting atop the standings at 5-1, the Knights have seized the lead in the NCAA Bracket following a solid 68-58 win over St. Benilde on Saturday behind the efforts of Titing Manalili and Jimboy Estrada.
For coach Allen Ricardo, the victory showed just how far Letran has come in terms of preparation.
"Maganda din na na-gauge natin kung hanggang saan tayo pagdating sa malalakas na makakalaban sa NCAA,” the juniors champion coach said.
Now, the Knights are looking to keep that streak alive as they take on a gritty Jose Rizal University (1-2) on Monday.
Snagging that fourth straight win won't come easy, though, given how tough a challenge the Nani Epondulan-coached Heavy Bombers have been especially with the emergence of rookie Sanlea Peñaverde.
They open the day's all-NCAA tripleheader at 12:00 p.m.
Emilio Aguinaldo College (4-1) also seeks a share of the lead when it faces University of Perpetual Help (1-3) at 4:00 p.m.
The Generals welcome coach Jerson Cabiltes back after missing their narrow 75-71 escape against JRU two days ago, and are banking on big outings once again from Wilmar Oftana, Kyle Ochavo, and Nico Quinal.
Patrick Sleat, meanwhile, is eager to bounce back for the Altas after he missed the potential game-winner in their 68-66 loss to Arellano last Saturday.
Mapua University(2-2) and San Sebastian College (0-5) complete the triple bill at 2:00 p.m., with the defending NCAA champion Cardinals aiming to avoid an upset against the rebuilding Golden Stags.
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