Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Rey Nambatac had a career game and Letran held off Emilio Aguinaldo College, 76-72, for its first win in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Nambatac set a career-high 33 points on 13-of-22 shooting from the field that went with five rebounds to lead the defending champions, who rebounded from an 89-85 loss to San Beda in the opener last Saturday.
“A win is a win, although, it’s an ugly win. Give credit sa boys, they refused to lose hanggang sa dulo at least naisip nila na kailangan pa rin pala nila dumepensa,” said Letran head coach Jeff Napa.
Napa also said he wasn’t surprised with the way his starting guard performed.
“Given naman yung performance ni Rey e. Good thing natapos niya yung laro, yun naman importante matapos namin yung laro. Happy ako kay Rey kasi at least di na siya ganun kagigil. Na-settle down na niya sarili niya kaya naging maganda resulta para sa amin.”
The Knights’ victory ruined Hamadou Laminou’s big night for the Generals, who failed to follow up their win over the Lyceum Pirates. The 6-foot-10 import posted 23 points and 18 rebounds.
John Quinto also had a solid output for Letran with 17 points, three rebounds and three steals.