Letran coach Rensy Bajar during a Filoil Preseason game. –FILOIL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Letran coach Rensy Bajar had one message for the Knights en route to their first encounter with Guang Ming College in their two-game series: Always respect your opponent.
The Knights got a headstart against Luzon qualifier Guang Ming with a convincing 85-73 victory in the aggregate-type series of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup at San Juan Arena on Wednesday.
Despite the Flying Dragons’ less exposure in the preseason as a whole, Bajar had to remind his wards to not take their opponents lightly.
“If we play loose, it might cost us in the end. In other words, this win is a test of character. I told them every time you play, respect your opponent. Whoever that may be, you need to respect them,” the newly-minted tactician said.
“It’s a big thing (win) for us because as much as possible, we faced a team that really wants to win. [It’s] a good challenge for us.”
Kurt Reyson played an all-around game of 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists while Kobe Monje chipped in 18 in the Letran win.
Dikachi Udodo tried to power Guang Ming to victory with 24 markers and eight boards but to no avail.
In the other aggregate two-game series, Far Eastern University drew first blood against VisMin qualifier Jose Maria College, 96-65, behind Xyrus Torres’ monster game.
Torres led the Tamaraws with 20 points and five rebounds.
The Kings, meanwhile, turned to Christer Catarong for 17 markers and nine boards but it was all for naught.