Letran bounces back, routs EAC to grab share of NCAA lead

Knights point guard Mark Cruz looks to float a shot over the Generals’ shot-blocking center Hamadou Laminou.

Letran just had enough of the upsets.

The Knights exorcised the demons of their first round defeat to Emilio Aguinaldo College with a 86-76 rout in their second meeting Friday in the NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena.

The Knights improved to 9-2, and again share the top spot with defending champion San Beda, which ripped College of St. Benilde earlier.

Letran avenged its shocking 83-69 defeat to EAC in the first round and rebounded from its 89-87 defeat to San Sebastian three days ago.

“This is a big game for us after a very disappointing loss,” said coach Aldin Ayo.

Mark Cruz steered the Knights to victory with 29 points on a 3-of-7 shooting from threes that went with four rebounds, while Rey Nambatac added a double-double with 11 markers and 10 boards.

The Knights forced the Generals to turn the ball over 29 times, which translated to 36 turnover points

Francis Munsayac had 12 of his 24 points in the payoff period for EAC (2-9) while Sidney Onwubere got 22 markers and 10 rebounds.

The Scores:

LETRAN 86 – Cruz 29, Nambatac 11, Luib 9, Quinto 9, Racal 8, Apreku 7, Sollano 7, Balagasay 6, Balanza 0, Calvo 0, Bernabe 0.

EAC 76 – Munsayac 24, Onwubere 22, Bonleon 7, Hamadou 7, Pascua 6, Diego 6, Mejos 4, Pascual 0, Corilla 0, Estacio 0, Mallari 0.

Quarters: 26-16, 43-26, 67-58, 86-76.