Franz Dysam. https://www.ncaa.org.ph file photo
MANILA, Philippines—Despite an emotional week, Letran still came out as the league’s top team, dominating Arellano, 67-57, Thursday in the NCAA season 89 seniors’ basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.
The Knights stretched their unbeaten streak to six, just days after their point guard Franz Dysam survived a shooting which left his girlfriend, Joanne, dead, after their game.
“For Franz Dysam itong game na to. Sabi nga ng iba na since nawala si Dysam, low morale kami. Ginawa namin movitation yun,” said guard Mark Cruz.
Cruz broke out from a slump and stepped up with a game-best 25 points, shooting the lights out with five triples, along with three rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Knights dictated the tempo all game-long and turned nine miscues of the Chiefs to 16 fastbreak points, which was exactly their game-plan.
“Were just focused on what we wanted to do. Today we achieved our game plan by just pushing the ball,” said head coach Caloy Garcia.
Kevin Racal added 14 points and 12 rebounds, Raymond Almazan chipped in seven points and 17 boards.
“Of course we dedicate this for Franz. But it’s a tragedy, you really don’t want to think about it. You just have to look forward and move one,” Garcia said.
Garcia is hoping that Dysam, who underwent an operation to extract the bullets from his body earlier in the week, recovers quickly.
“We just hope Dysam comes back as soon as possible, even not to play, so he could just sit on the bench,” Garcia also said.
Arellano, meanwhile, dropped to 2-4 as only Donald Gumaru barged into the double-digit column in scoring.
John Pinto, Prince Caperal were limited to under eight points as James Forrester missed the game due to injury.