Letran turns back St. Benilde, eyes crucial battle with San Beda
MANILA, Philippines — Letran picked up where it left off as it thwarted St. Benilde, 72-60, to keep its bid toward a twice-to-beat edge alive in the 87th NCAA men’s basketball tournament Monday at The Arena in San Juan.
Fresh off their stunning victory over league-leader San Sebastian, the Knights banked on a strong start before holding off a furious fightback by the Blazers, who are now out of Final Four contention.
“[This game] is patterned to our game against San Sebastian because of our strong start,” said Letran coach Louie Alas.
Alas though, didn’t like how his team played the second half which allowed CSB to creep back in the match.
“We’re inconsistent [in the third quarter]. I have to check that one out. Still not sure but maybe it’s my third quarter personnel,” concerned Alas.
The Knights, who improved to 14-3, were lethal on both ends of the floor as they raced to a 16-5 lead.
Kevin Alas showcased another all-around game with 16 points, nine rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block to offset his five errors.
Inside operator Jam Cortes added a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds.
The Blazers never led but threatened several times to snatch the lead. Jan Tan scored in the inside to put CSB to within 56-58 midway through the fourth.
But Letran tightened up on defense before letting out another surge to end the game with a 14-6 blitz.
Letran remained in third place behind defending champion San Beda and the Stags.
The battle for that all-important second place will only get interesting with the Knights and the Red Lions, the league’s fiercest rivals, slug it out on Friday.
With San Beda flaunting a talented cast in Garvo Lanete, Dave Marcelo and Jake Pascual, Letran will surely get its hand full.
And the veteran mentor knows it.
“With (San) Beda we’re expecting them to run,” said Alas. “It will be more on the mental preparation every time we play them.”
“Despite being in second place, San Beda still has the deepest bench in the league,” Alas cited.
