Games Monday (The Arena, San Juan City)
10 a.m. — Arellano vs AUF (Jrs)
11:45 a.m. — MIT vs Letran (Jrs)
2 p.m. — Arellano vs AUF (Srs)
4 p.m. — MIT vs Letran (Srs)

Letran and Arellano University press their separate bids for a Final Four berth against cellar-dwellers Mapua and Angeles University Foundation Monday in the 85th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Knights battle the Cardinals at 4 p.m. while the Chiefs collide with the Great Danes in the opener at 2 p.m.

Both Knights and the Chiefs posted contrasting wins last week to share fourth spot with similar 6-4 cards.

The Knights rolled back the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals, 92-66, while the Chiefs downed the St. Benilde Blazers, 82-72.

The Knights and the Chiefs are expected to cruise to victories against teams with only one win to show in 10 matches.

But coaches Louie Alas of Letran and Junjie Ablan of Arellano are not taking their chances.

“We’ve learned that anyone can beat anyone in this league. We couldn’t afford to be over confident,” said Alas, who steered the Knights to their 16th title in 2005.

“We have to respect all the teams we face, we can’t be complacent against anyone,” said Ablan, whose squad is on a three-game winning streak.

The Knights beat the Cardinals, 73-51, last July 13 while the Chiefs routed the Danes, 96-76.

The Knights are expected to draw strength anew from the Smart Gilas Pilipinas pair of RJ Jazul and Rey Guevarra, who fired 21 points apiece in their recent triumph.

Jazul was particularly impressive as he highlighted his superb offensive game with a career high 13 assists, five boards and four steals.

Arellano, the best performing guest team so far, is expected to pin its hopes on bull strong Giorgio Ciriacruz, who exploded for career high 31 points and 17 rebounds the last time out.