Dolphins seek NCAA title repeat vs Knights

With momentum and psychological edge on their side, the Philippine Christian U Dolphins go for the kill versus the embattled Letran Knights in Game Two of their NCAA best-of-three title duel at the Araneta Coliseum today.

"Game One would mean nothing if we can’t win another game," said coach Junel Baculi vowing to get his Dolphins work harder since the Knights are expected to come back strong to force a sudden-death in the short title series.

The Dolphins were swept by the Knights in two games in the elimination round but moved on the verge of a successful title defense with a stirring 79-74 win in the series opener Monday at the Big Dome.

Baculi and his boys go for the championship at 4 p.m.

The San Sebastian Staglets likewise seek to end their title hunt in the junior division against the San Beda Red Cubs at 2 p.m. The Staglets beat the Red Cubs, 83-76, Monday.

Jason Castro could be a marked man for the Knights after the 20-year-old Guagua, Pampanga native erupted for 21 points and fuelled a strong windup by the Dolphins Monday.

"We just couldn’t stop him," said coach Louie Alas whose Knights set out for the finals the favorites after dominating the eliminations with 13 wins against a lone defeat.

"We’ll make it more difficult for him in Game Two," Alas said.

But Baculi expects to get lift from other players after his reserve guard stole the thunder in Game One.

"We know they’ll be clamping on him (Castro) so we have to make plays that would make life easier for him. This means the other guys must step up," said Baculi.

PCU main man Gabby Espinas scored 20 points but was virtually reduced to a cheerleader in the sideline after moving out on fouls with 6:44 left in the contest. Also fouling out early in the game were fellow front liners Joel Solis and Carlos Cecilia.

"Unnecessary fouls almost killed us so we have to avoid these without compromising our defense," Baculi said.