Letran is keeping its fingers crossed and remains optimistic that veteran Fran Yu will get to play his final NCAA game in Game 3 of their do-or-die series with College of St. Benilde.
The university appealed the one-game suspension of Yu, who is supposed to serve the sanction on Game 3.
This easily meant that Yu, a former NCAA Most Valuable Player, may have played the last game of his collegiate career.
It wasn't as memorable though as he was slapped with a disqualifying foul during the second quarter of Game 2 last Dec. 11.
No less than Knights assistant coach Jarren Jarencio bared the development regarding the appeal during the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum on Tuesday, Dec. 13.
"Hopefully, ma-lift po yong suspension niya para Game 3 mas maganda. Walang kulang-kulang. Kumpleto 'yong teams, both teams," said Jarencio.
"After the game talaga, nag-adjust na kami. Nag-meeting na kami, regarding sa mga rotation, sino papalit kay Fran, sino magst-step up. Sino mga kailangan mag-step up," he added.
Yu receiving a disqualifying foul, in the most crucial possible way given it was handed in a Finals series where the Knights are chasing a three-peat title, meant that he will be serving a one-game suspension.
And unfortunately, the only game left would be their rubber match on Dec. 18 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Series are now tied with Letran drawing first with an 81-75 victory last Dec. 4 before CSB fought back in Game 2 and hacked out a 76-71 victory.
Sans Yu, there would be one less veteran out of the Letran's core and the likes of Louie Sangalang and King Caralipio, the Knights' twin towers, should step up big time.
Brent Paraiso and Kurt Reyson are expected to everything on the line as well for the Knights, who have been NCAA kings since Seasons 95 and 97.
Season 96, which was slated in the athletic year 2020-21, wasn't played due to the Covid-19 pandemic.