Letran, Mapua start ‘NC’ title duel

MANILA, Philippines — Letran seeks to extend its reign while Mapua eyes a date with destiny as the two face off at the start of their best-of-three NCAA Season 97 finals dubbed as the “Battle of Intramuros” at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan today.

The Knights set out for the 3 p.m. match as the favorites, coming from their elimination-round sweep including an emphatic 80-60 rout of the Cardinals on April 8.

Letran, which turned back University Perpetual Help, 77-75, in their Final Four duel last week, will be gunning for their second crown in a row and 19th overall – the second most championships by a school next to San Beda’s league-best 22.

Fran Yu, who came through with the biggest shots and plays in the Final Four for the Knights, is expected to come through big again and pay back the trust given to him by the coaching staff and the team.

“I’m just returning the favor for the trust and faith given to me by the coaches and my teammates,” said Yu, who has one more year left in his eligibility before pursuing his dream of becoming a pro.

While the Knights try to restore order, the Cardinals look to continue to defy overwhelming odds as the latter go for their first diadem since completing a back-to-back romp 31 years ago and seventh overall.