Knights defend home floor, trump Blazers as Nambatac scores 31

FILE PHOTO by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Rey Nambatac exploded for a season-high 31 points and Letran beat visiting College of St. Benilde, 92-78, in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament Thursday at Letran Gym in Intramuros, Manila.

Nambatac flourished in the fourth quarter anew and also collected 11 rebounds, five assists and two steals.

“Rey Nambatac is Rey Nambatac. We just need the other players to compliment his game,” said Letran head coach Jeff Napa.

The fifth-year guard’s sterling performance came just two days after a 15-point, 12-rebound effort in a victory over San Sebastian.

Buoyed by their homecourt edge, the Knights posted back-to-back wins to even their record at 3-3.

The game was dead even at 66 through three quarters and Letran was in a precarious position in the fourth period until Nambatac took over.

After suffering a 43-point whipping at the hands of unbeaten solo leader Lyceum on Tuesday, CSB started the game strong and even took a 29-20 lead early in the second quarter.

The game marked the first time that the home team defended homecourt after a couple of failed attempts.

The Blazers absorbed their fourth loss in five outings.