Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Letran arrested its three-game losing skid after coming away with an 84-73 victory against Arellano in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
“At least we broke the record and we’re able to get back in the winning column,” said Letran coach Jeff Napa, who celebrated his 37th birthday with the Knights earning its sixth win in 12 outings
JP Calvo buried 20 points on 4-of-6 shooting from three, including the dagger from the right wing with 17.4 seconds that finally douses the Chiefs fiery rally late.
Calvo also had five rebounds, five assists, and a steal in the huge win.
Bong Quinto also shone with 20 markers, 10 boards, and two assists, while Rey Nambatac got 14 points, eight rebounds, and two dimes.
Letran lost A 16-point lead, 58-42, in the third quarter as Arellano cut the deficit to just six, 79-73, after a Rence Alcoriza layup with 39.7 seconds left.
Unfortunately for the Chiefs, Marwin Taywan was called for an unsportsmanlike foul during an inbound play on the other end that resulted to a Nambatac free throw and the game-sealing triple by Calvo.
“This is an important win for us because we’re all close at three to six. A lot of things can happen. At least, we took care of business now and we executed our game plan,” said Napa.
Kent Salado fought valiantly for the skidding Chiefs and finished with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Alcoriza had 10 in the defeat.
Arellano dropped back to eighth place with a 4-8 card.
The scores:
LETRAN 84 – Calvo 20, Quinto 20, Nambatac 14, Balanza 8, Mandreza 8, Gedaria 4, Vacaro 4, Taladua 4, Balagasay 2, Bernabe 0.
ARELLANO 73 – Salado 23, Alcoriza 10, Flores 7, Dela Cruz 7, Meca 6, Taywan 6, Canete 5, Concepcion 3, Abanes 3, Nicholls 2, Villoria 1, Enriquez 0.
Quarters: 26-20, 45-36, 68-59, 84-73.