Nambatac’s 40-point explosion carries Knights past Stags

Rey Nambatac sets a new career-high. FILE PHOTO/Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Even against three defenders, Rey Nambatac still found a way to score on a tough lay-up and complete the bonus to seal the deal for Letran late.

It was that kind of game for the senior, who lit up the scoreboard with 40 points to carry the Knights over San Sebastian, 90-77, and to their fourth straight victory in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Nambatac was stellar in the game, finishing with a 13-of-24 shooting clip including 5-of-12 from three, as he also hauled down 10 rebounds and dished out two assists.

He easily blasted his previous career-high of 34 points recorded against EAC two weeks back.

But coach Jeff Napa made it clear that the Knights aren’t just a Rey Nambatac team.

“Di kami nagrerely kay Rey lang. Nagrerely kami sa 15 players,” he said.

Mcjour Luib added 12 markers in a 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc, while Jerrick Balanza got 11 points.

JP Calvo also chipped in 10 markers, eight assists, and five rebounds in the win to pull the Knights up to a 4-1 card.

“Wala pa rin naman kaming naa-achieve pero a win is a win,” said Napa.

Regille Ilagan topped San Sebastian (1-3) with 23 points on a 5-of-7 shooting from threes, while Ryan Costelo had 17 markers in the defeat.

The Scores:

LETRAN 90 – Nambatac 40, Luib 12, Balanza 11, Calvo 10, Sollano 7, Quinto 4, Ambohot 3, Pambid 3, Apreku 0, Balagasay 0, Bernabe 0, Sario 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 77 – Ilagan 23, Costelo 17, Capobres 11, Fabian 6, David 5, Valdez 5, Baetiong 2, Bulanadi 2, Calisaan 2, Johnson 2, Mercado 2, Gayosa 0, Quipse 0.

Quarters: 23-28, 43-38, 63-57, 90-77.