Knights sustain streak after nipping Altas

Letran’s Rey Nambatac. FILE PHOTO/Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Letran racked up its fifth straight win after toppling University of Perpetual Help, 69-63, in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Rey Nambatac scored 26 points that went with seven rebounds to lead the resurgent Knights, who moved a game and a half behind fourth-running Mapua.

“Good win for us, but wala pa rin kami naa-achieve kasi naghahabol pa rin kami,” said Letran head coach Jeff Napa.

“Nagbago na pinapakita nila na kung sino talaga sila. Pinapaalala ko sa kanila kung sino talaga nasa harap ng jersey na pinaglalaban namin.”

Letran blew a 15-point lead before holding off Perpetual Help with a string of defensive stops in the last two minutes.

Nambatac had two free throws and a couple of steals in the final minute.

“Nagiging consistent ako di lang sa offense. Iniimprove ko pa kung paano ko pa mai-involve mga teammates ko,” Nambatac said.

“Mindset namin gusto namin makapasok sa Final Four kaya pagtatrabahuhan talaga namin yon.”

The Altas came to within one, 64-63, with 1:52 left after three consecutive points by Bright Akhuetie.

But Perpetual Help went downhill from there with poor shot selection and bad decision making. The Altas went scoreless after Akhuetie’s free throw and had three turnovers.

Akhuetie paced Perpetual Help (11-4), which bungled a chance to join Arellano University in first place, with 15 points and 13 rebounds.