WANGS Basketball @27 Striker - Letran and Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda rekindle their rivalry in the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
Bringing their animosity from the NCAA, the Knights (0-0) and the Red Lions (1-1) lock horns in the main game at 4 p.m. after the opening duel between the Scorpions (0-1) and the Titans (0-1) at 2 p.m.
San Beda split its first two outings - a loss against neophyte PSP Gymers and a big win versus reigning champion EcoOil-La Salle - and now the Red Lions test the mettle of long-time collegiate rival Letran Knights in its debut.
The Red Lions are currently tied with the Green Archers at second place behind the unbeaten University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (2-0).
"Kailangan handa kami sa (defending NCAA champion) Letran. We have the utmost respect for them, they're the 3-peat NCAA champion for a reason. It's a rivalry so let's see," said San Beda mentor Yuri Escueta.
Sponsored content: A second-year mentor, Escueta will be up against a new Letran coach in Rensy Bajar.
Bajar was appointed last month to succeed Bonnie Tan with a mission of extending the Knights' winning tradition, starting in the D-League.
Both squads are parading young units with the graduation of their key stalwarts. Yukien Andrada and Jacob Cortez banners San Beda's bid while Letran is led by holdovers Kurt Reyson and Kobe Monje. (JBU)
