By MARK REY MONTEJO
Kobe Monje sparked Letran’s fourth quarter onslaught and the Knights scored a vengeful 67-56 win over the Arellano University Chiefs in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Tuesday, Nov. 14.
Monje uncorked 13 points, including back-to-back baskets to give the Knights a comfortable 64-45 lead in the payoff period, which proved huge enough for the Chiefs to overcome.
The Chiefs, starring Joshua Abastillas, did try to overhaul the outcome by launching a 13-1 run.
Too bad, Arellano’s comeback fell short as Letran held on to its ground to pull off the win – a redemption of sort after its 87-80 defeat in the first round.
Aside from his offensive output, Monje also listed three rebounds, four assists and a steal while Jay Garupil chalked up nine points, eight rebounds, and three assists to help Letran end a seven-game losing for a 2-14 card.
The three-time defending champions hope to win their last two games in hopes of a respectable exit to end their reign.
Vince Battaler and Ira Battalier provided ample support with eight points apiece for the Rensy Bajar-mentored squad.
No player from Arellano managed to score in double digits – no thanks to Letran’s tight defensive effort.
The scores:
LETRAN 67- Monje 13, Garupil 9, Cuajao 8, Batallier 8, Santos 7, Go 6, Jumao-as 6, Bojorcelo 5, Javillonar 5, Ariar 0.
AU 58- Abastillas 9, Sunga 9, Mallari 7, Talampas 6, Capulong 5, Yanes 5, Tan 5, Villarente 4, Geronimo 4, Dayrit 2, Dela Cruz 2, Camay 0, Angolan 0, Rosalin 0.
Quarterscores: 25-15; 40-32; 56-42; 67-58.
