NCAA: Letran wards off EAC’s upset bid, locks No. 3 seed

 

MANILA, Philippines–Taking it easy at the onset, the Letran Knights had to wipe out a huge deficit before brushing off the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 87-79, Thursday in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament.

Larry Muyang was too big, too strong for the Generals, delivering most of his 20 points around the rim apart from pulling down majority of his 11 boards during the latter half when the Knights finally buckled down to work.

Jerrick Balanza and Bonbon Batiller likewise didn’t let the game slip away by taking it aggressively to the hoop that put the Knights under complete control middle of the final period after climbing from 19 points down.

Ending the eliminations with a 12-6 record, the Knights put the lock on the No.3 spot in the semifinals behind the second-ranked Lyceum Pirates and the unbeaten San Beda Red Lions.

Jethro Mendoza finished his collegiate career by firing five threes and leading the Generals with 26 points. The Generals only had four wins in 18 games throughout their season.

LETRAN 87—Muyang 22, Balanza 20, Batiller 15, Yu 10, Ular 8, Ambohot 6, Reyson 4, Mina 2, Caralipio 0, Balagasay 0, Sangalang 0, Pambid 0.

EAC 79—Mendoza 26, Maguliano 13, Gurtiza 9, Taywan 8, De Guzman 6, Luciano 6, Estacio 4, Corilla 3, Martin 3, Cadua 1, Gonzales 0, Carlos 0, Boffa 0.

Quarters: 14-25, 30-41, 56-55, 87-79