Letran snaps 5-game skid, holds St. Benilde to new low

Rey Nambatac in Letran’s game vs St. Benilde. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Letran finally ended its five-game losing slump as it silenced winless St. Benilde, 57-40, Tuesday in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

“Marunong pa pala kami manalo,” said coach Jeff Napa as the Knights went up to a 6-7 record. “Malaking factor itong panalo na ito kasi ikaw ba naman ang magsunod-sunod ang talo.”

Rey Nambatac led Letran with 13 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.

JP Calvo also had eight markers, while Bong Quinto got seven points but committed eight turnovers.

“Hopefully, ito na ang mag-compose ng morale ng mga bata. We have to be positive. Kailangan gumawa pa rin kami ng tama. Sana magtuloy-tuloy na ang winning streak namin,” said Napa.

Letran also came through despite the one-game suspensions on Jerick Balanza, Marco Sario, and Chrisantoni dela Pena after last Friday’s heated game against San Beda.

St. Benilde’s nightmare season continued as it fell to 0-13 and in the process set the new record for least points scored in a game at 40. It beat the 45 points the Blazers also set last August 25 in their loss to Perpetual.

Emman San Juan also sprained his right ankle at the 1:37 mark of the third frame, the latest addition to coach Gabby Velasco’s woes.

Christian Fajarito carried St. Benilde with 11 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.

The Scores:

LETRAN 57 – Nambatac 13, Calvo 8, Quinto 7, Luib 7, Sollano 7, Bernabe 6, Ambohot 5, Apreku 3, Pambid 1, Balagasay 0, Vacaro 0, Ular 0.
ST. BENILDE 40 – Fajarito 11, JJ Domingo 8, Saavedra 7, Dixon 6, Sta. Maria 3, Castor 2, Young 2, San Juan 1, Haruna 0, Pajarillaga 0, Pasamante 0, JS Domingo 0.

Quarters: 13-14, 30-19, 45-29, 57-40.