Nambatac steps up for the Knights in crucial NCAA stretch

Rey Nambatac steps up for the Knights. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

After paltry performances in Letran’s back-to-back losses, Rey Nambatac took it upon himself to lead the Knights in an all-important game.

And the third-year guard did not disappoint, proving himself vital in the Knights 87-81 come-from-behind win over Arellano on Friday.

READ: NCAA: Letran frustrates Arellano to share top spot with San Beda

Nambatac came away with 21 points, 11 rebounds, two assists as Letran kept its hold of the top spot amid a tight race to the final four.

Though struggling for the last few games, the Cagayan de Oro native said that his confidence never waned and it even drove him hungrier.

READ: Six teams in tight NCAA Final Four race

“Naisip ko na sa past games, mababa yung laro ko,” said Nambatac. “Pero di ako nawalan ng kumpyansa lalo na dito sa game na ‘to which is very important.”

(In the past games, my game was really down. But I didn’t lose confidence more so for this game which was very important for us.)

The Knights, tied with San Beda at the top with a 11-4 record, are assured of at least a playoff for a final four berth

“Magandang panalo ito para sa amin at para sa next games kasi may kumpyansa kaming nakuha. (This is a good win for us and for our next games because we gained confidence from this.),” he said.

Letran goes up against Perpetual and San Beda to finish the second round.