NCAA: Challenged by coach, Letran responds with rout of Perpetual

Letran guard Brent Paraiso. NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Letran repeated over Perpetual Help, 74-59, in the second round of the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday at San Juan Arena.

The Knights, who gained a share of the third spot with the Lyceum Pirates, used a strong second half to pull away from the Altas.

“I challenged my players in the rebounding department because we know that Perps is the number one rebounding team. We felt that if we win the rebounding battle, there’s a big chance that we’re going to win this game,” coach Bonnie Tan said in Filipino.

Letran answered the call and outrebounded Perpetual Help, 54-45. The Altas came into the game averaging 48.8 rebounds per game.

Louie Sangalang and Paolo Javillionar combined for 18 points and 22 rebounds while Brent Paraiso led all scorers with 16 points for the defending champions, who also beat the Altas, 70-67, in their first-round encounter last October 8.

The Knights also clamped down on defense, making the Altas shoot just 28.6 percent from the field, including an abysmal 2-of-26 clip from downtown.

After a tight first two quarters, Letran got going and led by as many as 28 in the fourth quarter.

The aggressive tandem of Brent Paraiso and Louie Sangalang powered the Knights with 16 and 10 points, respectively. Sangalang also finished the game with a double-double with 10 rebounds to match.

Jielo Razon scored 13 in a losing effort while Rey Barcuma chipped in 11 markers for Perpetual Help, which skidded to a 4-6 slate.

The Scores:

LETRAN 74 — Paraiso 16, Sangalang 10, Caralipio 9, Reyson 9, Javillonar 8, Yu 7, Olivario 3, Santos 2, Tolentino 2, Monje 2, Miclat 2, Go 2, Ariar 1, Guarino 1, Bautista 0.

PERPETUAL 59 — Razon 13, Barcuma 11, Abis 7, Nitura 7, Boral 4, Ferreras 4, Martel 3, Flores 3, Movida 3, Egan 2, Orgo 2, Omega 0, Roque 0, Cuevas 0, Pagaran 0.

Quarters: 22-11, 37-33, 50-40, 74-59.