Letran nears NCAA Final Four but coach says team can do more

NCAA/September 29,2012Jamieson Cortes of Letran drives the ball against King Igee of Emilio Aguinaldo College during thier NCAA game atFiloil Arena San Juan. EDWIN BELLOSILLO/INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines — Letran held off a late run by Emilio Aguinaldo College to win, 86-80, Saturday night in the NCAA Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena.

But despite the victory that pulled the Knights to just a win away from a Final Four berth, head coach Louie Alas knew his team has to do a lot more.

“If you want to go to the next level, you just can’t play 25 minutes and expect to win,” said Alas on his squad which allowed the Generals to chip its lead away.

“We didn’t play to win [when we led]. They have to play better in the end game.”

The Knights have won seven of their last eight games to remain in third place and still be in contention for a twice-to-beat edge with San Sebastian just a game ahead.

A second-place finish would definitely put Letran in a better semi-final position but Alas said it wasn’t in his mind.

Letran needs to beat Arellano University in its last game as well as San Sebastian to lose one of its remaining two games.

“We don’t talk about the twice-to-beat. Ayoko ng umasa na matalo yung ibang [I don’t want to hope for a loss by the other] teams,” said Alas.

The Knights leaned on inside operator Jam Cortes, who didn’t disappoint with 25 points and 14 rebounds.

Kevin Alas played second fiddle but still had a huge game with 17 points, four rebounds and eight assists.

Letran also chalked up its fifth straight win for an 11-6 record making them one of the hottest teams in the league.

“Naniniwala ako sa capability ng [I believe in the capability of the] team. There are teams reaching their peak but when the semis come their play dips. What I like more is my team to have consistency,” said Alas.

Russell Yaya had 20 points and five rebounds for EAC, which absorbed its 10th loss in 17 games.