NCAA: San Beda douses Letran rally to stay unscathed

MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion San Beda stayed undefeated after cooling off a red-hot Letran side, 70-66, in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Evan Nelle, the fast-rising playmaker, showed the way for the Red Lions with 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists while Donald Tankoua added 15 points and four rebounds.

“We were worried about this game because we were playing a strong team like Letran. They been playing well, they have won five straight,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez, whose squad climbed to 5-0.

“My players did a good job. I salute them. They really played good defense. Our mantra for this season is play defense first before offense.”

The Knights, who came into the showdown with a five-game winning run, rose from 13 points down in the second half but only to falter in the end.

Jerrick Balanza led Letran (5-2) with 20 points and five assists while Ato Ular chipped in 11 points and seven boards.