NCAA: Mark Cruz nails 8 triples, brings Letran back on top

Mark Cruz sizzles with eight triples against Lyceum. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Mark Cruz showed Lyceum why he is the NCAA’s Three-Point King.

Cruz’ torrid shooting on Friday paved way for Letran assume the top spot anew after the Knights scored a 74-57 victory over the Pirates in the NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena.

Cruz sizzled with eight triples and finished with 26 points, 17 of which coming in the payoff period, to steer Letran to its tenth victory. He also had five rebounds and five assists.

His lone fourth quarter output outmatched Lyceum’s 15 as a whole. From a 50-49 affair with Lyceum on top, Cruz went on a personal tear and scored 14 straight to allow the Knights to pull away late.

Kevin Racal also had 19 points and six boards, as Jomari Sollano got 10.

“My players going to step up everytime they zone us because we really practice on our shooting,” said coach Aldin Ayo. “I told the boys that every game in the second round will determine where we’ll end up. We don’t take for granted any team and we always make sure that we give our all every game.”

Jean Nguidjol paced Lyceum (3-9) with 20 points and 15 rebounds, while Wilson Baltazar got 14 markers.

The Scores:

LETRAN 74 – Cruz 26, Racal 19, Sollano 10, Nambatac 9, Luib 5, Balagasay 4, Balanza 1, Apreku 0, Calvo 0, Quinto 0.
LYCEUM 57 – Nguidjol 20, Baltazar 14, Lugo 6, Lacastesantos 4, Alanes 4, Ayaay 4, Bulawan 3, Taladua 2, Soliman 0, Marata 0, Mbida 0.

Quarters: 17-11, 28-25, 47-42, 74-57.