NCAA: Letran ties rival San Beda at the helm after crushing Arellano

MANILA, Philippines — Letran seized a share of the top spot after trouncing Arellano, 70-59, in the NCAA Season 89 men’s basketball tournament Monday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Knights, who bounced back after absorbing a shocking 76-80 loss at the hands of the Lyceum Pirates in their previous outing, tied defending champion San Beda Red Lions in first place with a 10-2 slate.

Reserve guard John Tambeling led the beatdown with 15 points while lanky center Raymond Almazan dominated the paint with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Letran zoomed ahead early and never relented as it clicked on both ends to lead by more than 20 points in the second half.

The Chiefs, who succumbed to their ninth setback in 13 games, failed to rack up back-to-back wins a feat that would’ve gotten their flatlining Final Four bid going.

Mark Cruz also had 12 points for Letran. John Pinto paced Arellano with 17 points and five assists.