FILE– Letran Knights’ Louie Sangalang and Brent Paraiso. –NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion Letran has no room for comfort even after holding the solo second spot in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament.
The Knights were stuck in the fourth and fifth seeds at the end of the first round but quickly got on pace for a seven game winning streak.
Letran big man Louie Sangalang said the team will not be complacent despite slowly reaching their peak in the late season.
“As long as we can [win], we will continue doing so, one game at a time. We’ll play to win,” said the bruiser.
Sangalang was instrumental in the team’s win against Lyceum on Friday as he finished with a monster double-double of 12 points and 18 rebounds.
Usually emotional, the 6-foot-4 player also kept his composure as he did not foul out unlike previous games.
According to head coach Bonnie Tan, the boys were extra motivated in Friday’s win against the Pirates due to their desire to take the second spot.
“We were aiming to be in the top two so the boys were really motivated to finish this round on a high note,” coach Bonnie Tan said.
Currently, Letran is the first team to breach the 10-win mark with a 10-3 record, just behind top seed College of St. Benilde, which holds a 9-2 card.