FILE – Letran Knights Photo from NCAA/GMA
MANILA, Philippines–Letran capped its elimination round campaign in style, holding off old rival San Beda, 59-56, to stay perfect in the NCAA Season 97 men’s basketball tournament.
Rhenz Abando hit two pressure-packed freethrows to give the Knights a 59-56 with 9.4 remaining, and finish with 10 points and seven rebounds as the Knights rose to 9-0 while asserting their mastery over the Red Lions in a packed Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Louie Sangalang was adjudged the finest cager of the contest after turning in 12 points and a pair of blocks that helped send Letran’s fancied enemy to a perilous spot.
San Beda, which dropped to 7-2, has been relegated to third place, and will be figuring in the play-in tournament which unfurls this Sunday.
Taking the No. 2 seed is Mapua, who have been anxiously waiting for this result after scoring an upset over the Red Lions last Saturday.
The Scores
LETRAN 59 — Sangalang 12, Abando 10, Fajarito 9, Yu 7, Ambohot 7, Mina 5, Javillonar 4, Reyson 2, Paraiso 2, Olivario 1, Caralipio 0.
SAN BEDA 56 — Kwekuteye 14, Gallego 7, Cortez 6, Ynot 5, Penuela 5, Bahio 4, Amsali 4, Jopia 4, Sanchez 3, Alfaro 2, Cuntapay 2, Abuda 0, Andrada 0, Cometa 0, Fornis 0.
Quarters: 15-15, 26-29, 45-39, 59-56.
San Beda is set to play College of Saint Benilde for the No. 3 seed.