Letran snapped a two-game slide on Thursday after getting six players in twin digits in a 97-84 decision of Arellano in Season 95 of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Bonbon Batiller scored all of his 18 points in the first three quarters and big men Larry Muyang and Jeo Ambohot each had 15 points while Allen Mina had 12 for the Knights, who rose to 10-6 and stayed solidly in third spot.
Graduating skipper Jerrick Balanza scored all of his 11 points in the second half, while Fran Yu also had 11 to go with six assists, three boards and two steals for Letran.
The Knights outscored the Chiefs, 34-17, in the third period to seize command and never look back, dealing Arellano an 11th loss in 15 outings.
In the second game, Alvin Capobres had 21 points and eight rebounds to lead San Sebastian past Jose Rizal, 62-59, to snap a three-game slide and rise to 8-6.
Already two games behind Lyceum (11-3) in the race for the No. 2 ranking in the Final Four, Letran is simply focusing on finishing strong in the eliminations.
“It’s hard to come back after losing back-to-back games. We have three games [left], but that’s the challenge that we have,” Letran coach Bonnie Tan said.
Justin Arana had 19 points and Kent Salado chipped in 18 points and four assists for the Chiefs.