Nambatac fires 40
By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Games Tomorrow (The Arena, San Juan City)
10 a.m. – JRU vs EAC (jrs)
12 noon – St. Benilde vs Lyceum (jrs)
2 p.m. – JRU vs EAC (srs)
4 p.m. – St. Benilde vs Lyceum (srs)
Spitfire Rey Nambatac exploded with a career-high 40 points as defending champion Letran whipped San Sebastian, 90-77, yesterday to extend its winning streak to four in NCAA men’s basketball at The Arena in San Juan City.
The 6-foot Nambatac, in his third year with the squad, scattered 12 points in the first period and 20 markers in the last two quarters to bolster the Knights’ title-retention campaign.
He highlighted his offensive performance with 5-of-12 shooting from behind the arc, while also hauling down 10 rebounds and dishing off two assists as Letran improved to 4-1.
Though Nambatac stood out, Letran coach Jeff Napa credited his stalwarts’ all-around team effort.
Mcjour Luib chipped in 12 points – all coming from the three-point arc – while Jerrick Balanza and John Calvo added 11 and 10 points, s, respectively.
Letran trailed, 28-23, in the opening quarter before outscoring SSC, 10-2, in the second period to grab a 43-38 lead.
Meanwhile, Arellano University snapped Mapua’s four-game winning streak with a 96-75 victory for a 3-1 slate.
Kent Salado led AU with 20 points, while Zach Nichols added 16 for for the Chiefs, who bounced back from a stinging 89-79 loss to Letran last week.
Salado and Nichols stepped up after Jio Jalolon was limited to eight points. Jalolon, however, collared seven boards and dished off nine assists.
“Our system talaga is perimeter game. Down na down kami after that loss to Letran, but thankfully we got our energy back,” said Arellano Coach Jerry Codiñera.
Scores
LETRAN 90 – Nambatac 40, Luib 12, Balanza 11, Calvo 10, Sollano 7, Quinto 4, Ambohot 3, Pambid 3, Apreku 0, Balagasay 0, Bernabe 0, Sario 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 77 – Ilagan 23, Costelo 17, Capobres 11, Fabian 6, David 5, Valdez 5, Baetiong 2, Mercado 2, Calisaan 2, Johnson 2, Bulunadi 2, Quipse 0, Gayosa 0.
Quarters: 23-28, 43-38, 63-57, 90-77.
Second Game
ARELLANO 96 – Salado 20, Nichols 16, Flores 10, Aguilar 10, Jalalon 8, Gumaru 7, Enriquez 6, Villoria 5, Cadavis 4, Holts 4, Canete 4, Alcoriza 2, Meca 0, Gupilan 0.
MAPUA 75 – Estrella 20, Serrano 12, Eriobu 12, Isit 10, Oraeme 9, Bunag 3, Biteng 3, Orquina 3, Victoria 0, Raflores 0, Menina 0.
Quarters: 20-16, 33-29, 66-51, 96-75.