Games Today
(The Arena, San Juan City)
12 noon – San Beda vs St. Benilde (srs)
2 p.m. – EAC vs Mapua (srs)
4 p.m. – Lyceum vs JRU (srs)
Defending champion Letran dealt Arellano its first loss with a 89-79 victory yesterday and jumped to solo third place in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
Rey Nambatac spearheaded the Knights with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists as Letran pulled away from a 62-61 edge at the start of the fourth period en route to the win.
It was Letran’s third straight win after losing its opening match against San Beda, putting it one game behind pacesetters San Beda and Mapua (3-0).
“We executed our game plan well. Ito na yung pinakamagandang game na nilaro namin. Lumalabas na yung tunay na Letran na nag-champion (last season),” said Coach Jeff Napa.
Letran’s all-around effort was evident in the final quarter where the Knights moved ahead 71-63 courtesy of John Quinto, John Calvo and Jom Sollano.
Zach Nichols answered back with two straight triples to cut Arellano’s deficit at 71-69, but Mcjour Luib and Jerrick Balanza went to the rescue for a 78-69 lead with 3:53 left.
The Chiefs never recovered after that.
Arellano dropped to 2-1 for a share of fourth place with University of Perpetual Help with Jio Jalolon topscoring with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Meanwhile, towering Bright Akhuetie sparkled with a monster double-double game as University of Perpetual Help routed San Sebastian, 76-61,in the first game.
The 6-foot-8 African import exploded with 20 points and hauled 20 rebounds for the Altas, who picked up their second win in three games.
Scores
PERPETUAL HELP 76 – Akhuetie 20, Singontiko 12, Ilagan 11, Pido 8, Eze 7, Hao 6, Coronel 4, Dagangon 4, Dizon 4, Cabiltes 0, Yuhico 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 61 – Ilagan 27, Capobres 9, Costelo 5, Calisaan 4, Baetiong 3, Bulanadi 3, David 3, Serajosef 3, Fabian 2, Valdez 2, Gayosa 0, Mercado 0, Quipse 0, Calma 0.
Quarters: 19-21; 44-37; 60-54; 76-61.
Second Game
LETRAN 89 – Nambatac 22, L uib 17, Balanza 12, Calvo 11, Quinto 10, Sollano 9, Apreku 5, Ambohot 2, Sario 1, Dela Pena 0.
ARELLANO 79 – Jalalon 17, Nichols 15, Flores 10, Enriquez 9, Meca 8, Gumaru 4, Cadavis 4, Holts 3, Aguilar 3, Salado 2, Villoria 2, Canete 2, Gupilan 0.
Quarters: 24-21; 42-36; 62-61; 89-79.
