Knights exploit size advantage to beat Generals

Joshua Torralba of Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals (right) is guarded by Letran Knights Jamieson Cortes (left) during their game at the San Juan Arena on Friday. Letran won, 76-67. INQUIRER PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

MANILA, Philippines–Jam Cortes scored a double-double as Letran exploited its size to stymie upset-minded Emilio Aguinaldo College, 76-67, Friday in the 87th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan City.

Cortes manhandled his counterparts with a monstrous effort on both ends with 18 points and 20 rebounds to lift the Knights to their sixth victory against two losses.

Letran jumped to its biggest lead of the game courtesy of a putback by Cortes, 66-52, at the 7:12 mark of the game.

Rookie Joshua Torralba provided the scoring punch anew, including a daredevil drive that pulled EAC to its closest at six, 64-70, with 3:35 remaining.

But again it was Cortes who answered back for Letran as the burly forward powered his way for another offensive rebound and a basket that finally took the fight out of the gutsy Generals, who fell to 3-5.