INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines -- Letran regained the solo lead in the NCAA men's basketball tournament Wednesday as the Knights overcame a sluggish start to nip San Sebastian, 71-67, for its fourth straight win at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

The Knights got clutch baskets from Dino Daa and Alvyn Cabonce in the final stretch to hold off the Stags, who threatened at 62-58 with 4 minutes left.

"We expected a close game and that is what San Sebastian gave us," coach Louie Alas said. "I told my players to keep it simple and go to Dino [Daa]. He was in the zone."

Daa, on his last playing year, reset a personal season-high with 26 points, five more than his output in the Knights’ opening-day win over Jose Rizal University.

Cabonce, one of five Letran players leaving after the season, came through with 14 points, including six in the fourth period.

The 6-foot-3 Daa drove past Froilan Saquillo to make it 66-59 with 1:33 left, before canceling out Jim Viray's jumper at the other end with another strong move inside the paint.

The Stags, who seized a 22-13 at the end of the third quarter, did not bow out quietly, though, cutting the gap to three, 68-65, on a fastbreak lay-up from Saquillo, but Rey Dangcal and Carl Melegrito sealed the outcome from the free throw line.

Earlier, the defending champion San Sebastian Staglets, powered by Arvie Bringas' 17 points, kept their immaculate record intact with a 79-70 triumph over Letran, their fifth win in as many games.