BY CHRISTINE MONCADA

PRESSED all the way by gritty San Sebastian College, Letran went to veteran Dino Daa in the stretch and hacked out a hard-earned 71-67 win yesterday to grab the solo lead in the 84th NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Astrodome.

The Knights, tipped to challenge reigning San Beda College for the title, streaked to their fourth straight win and moved a game ahead of the three peat-seeking Red Lions.

"We really expected a close game. Sabi ko one of our acid tests ang San Sebastian. In the fourth quarter I just told the boys 'Let's make it simple, let's go to Dino,'" said Letran coach Louie Alas.

The Stags, who gave the Red Lions a big fight last week, took a 48-45 lead going into the final quarter but failed to respond when the Knights went on a 10-0 run, including an undergoal stab by John Foronda, and took a 58-48 spread at the 7:38 mark.

In the other seniors' game, Mark Cagoco dished out a sterling performance throughout as the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers defeated the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas 74-57.

Cagoco had 21 points and James Sena backed him up with 14 markers as the Bombers posted their second straight win after dropping their first two assignments.

The Altas absorbed their fourth consecutive setback in five outings.

"Maganda ang ball movement ng Perpetual but luckily we were able to limit their three-point shooting. Well-contested ang mga tira nila from the outside," said JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia.

Working behind various defensive set-ups, San Sebastian threatened at 59-64 but Daa, practically carrying the Knights on his shoulders, scored back-to-back baskets to give the Intramuros-based dribblers a 68-61 cushion with only 34.7 seconds left.

"They were changing defensive formations but they also did that in the previous games kaya we were ready for it. The boys really showed character towards the end," Alas added.