Letran's Jimboy Estrada during a game against Perpetual Assist in the NCAA Season 100 men's basketball tournament.–NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—A struggling Letran team will have to try to break out of its second-round slump without star rookie Jimboy Estrada on Friday.
The Knights, losers of two straight, will be without Estrada's services against No. 2 running back Mapua due to a one-game suspension after the guard was ejected in their game against Perpetual Assist last Sunday.
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Letran appealed to rescind Estrada's suspension, but the NCAA rejected it Tuesday.
READ: NCAA: Benilde defeats Baste, the Letran rookie is out of the race for awards
The suspension also cost Estrada the chance to win any personal awards this season, per league rules.
Before the suspension, Estrada, the former St. Clare Faculty standout, was a favorite for the Rookie of the Year award and a candidate for Most Valuable Player.
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The 22-year-old is averaging 15.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game this season.
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READ: NCAA: Rivals San Beda and Letran achieve contrasting victories
Estrada was called for a disqualifying foul at the 2:40 mark of the fourth quarter of Letran's 71-61 loss to Perpetual Assist after making contact with a referee. Before the expulsion, Estrada had 14 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
The Knights are currently tied with the Lyceum Pirates for fourth place with a 6-5 record. They were defeated by the Cardinals, 77-62, in their first-round matchup last month.
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