Knights gear up for Bulldogs

MANILA, Philippines — Letran seeks to sustain its impressive start as it shoots for the solo lead in Group B against National University today in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup 2019 at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

The Knights zoomed to an early share of the lead with the Lyceum of the Philippines U Pirates, last year’s NCAA runners-up, after picking up two straight wins, including a 75-70 triumph over the Far Eastern U Tams Friday.

Another victory in its 2 p.m. duel with NU would propel the Muralla-based school to the top and closer to advancing to the quarterfinals.

Jerrick Balanza, who dropped a 25-point effort in a 74-67 triumph over Jose Rizal U Tuesday, is a doubtful starter after injuring his leg early in the second quarter of their last game.

It was a heartbreaking injury for Balanza, who has just returned from a surgery to remove a brain tumor late last year.

Jeo Ambohot stepped up big when Balanza fell down and finished with nine points and seven rebounds while Larry Muyang and Renato Ular had 12 and 10 points, respectively.

“We’ll know tomorrow (today) how he feels,” said Letran coach Boni Tan referring to Balanza.

Centro Escolar U eyes a follow up on its 84-65 rout of Mapua Monday as it tangles with Santo Tomas, which dropped its opening game against La Salle, 49-72, a week ago, at 5:45 p.m.

La Salle (1-0), for its part, takes on University of the Philippines (0-1) at 4 p.m.