Mapua faces Estrada-less Letran in NCAA matchup

Games on Friday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
12 noon – San Beda vs UPHSD
2:30 p.m. – Mapua vs Letran

MAPUA UNIVERSITY will parade its two-headed dragon in Clint Escamis and Marc Cuenco against a Colegio de San Juan de Letran team that will be out its most lethal scoring weapon in Jimboy Estrada as the two collide in a marquee NCAA Season 100 matchup on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The Escamis-Cuenco tandem was in full attack mode in an 82-79 victory over the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals on Tuesday when they combined for more than half of their ouput — 42 points.

And the signs point at the juggernaut pair having no plans of slowing down.

The sharp, sweet shooting Mr. Cuenco, who delivered that triple that hammered in the dagger straight into the hearts of the Generals last time.

A victory for the Cardinals, currently at No. 2 with an 8-3 mark, would push them half a game behind the league-leading College of St. Benilde Blazers (9-2).

They wade into battle at 2:30 p.m. against the Knights, who are fighting to keep their place inside the top four as they are currently tied with the Lyceum of the Philippines University  Pirates on 6-5 records.

Painfully, Letran will be minus Mr. Estrada, their primary source of offensive strength after the cerebral guard was slapped a one-game suspension for his misbehavior last time.

Somehow, Mapua will be without one key cog less too in starting big man Marc Igliane, who will also serve a one-game ban for his disqualifying foul last game.

“Yes, suspended Messrs. Estrada and Igliane,” said NCAA Management Committee chair Herc Callanta of host LPU.

The San Beda University Red Lions, presently at No. 3 with a 7-4 slate, for their part, hope to move up the ladder as they tangle with the University of Perpetual Help Altas, who at joint No. 6 with the EAC Generals on 5-6 marks, are fighting to stay in the hunt. Game time is at 12 noon. — Joey Villar