INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Kevin Alas scattered 43 big points, pacing Letran to a 92-74 victory over San Sebastian Saturday which forces an do-or-die clash for the finals spot in the 88th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Alas poured more than half of his output in the first half — even outscoring the entire Stags bench at one point — but didn’t even wither and continuously fueled the Knights.
“We just really worked hard in practice for this,” said Alas, who ended up with 10 three pointers.
Even after the Stags stormed back and made it just a 12-point game with still six minutes to go, it was Alas who saved the Knights from a collapse.
Alas, nailing a trey after another, fired 11 straight points and simply put an end to any of San Sebastian’s hopes for a comeback by giving the Knights an 82-62 lead.
“I’m speechless,” said head coach Louie Alas of his son’s performance. “I’m happy but I could be happier if we get to repeat this again.”
The diminutive yet cunning guard Mark Cruz also had a quality performance for the Knights, chipping in 20 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Kevin Racal, Alas’ trusty guard, nearly flirted with a triple-double with 10 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists.
Letran, wiping off San Sebastian’s twice-to-beat edge, defeated last year’s runner-up for the third straight time this season.
But Alas admits it will be extremely hard to pull off the most needed victory for the Knights over the Stags on Monday.
“I told them in the final three minutes, ‘forget this game,’ because it’ll be a very, very hard game on Monday,” said Alas.
Calvin Abueva struggled at first but still caught up offensively to finish with 21 points while top MVP candidate Ian Sangalang added 13 markers.
The Stags will have Ronald Pascual back in tow in the rubber match next week, hoping to barge into the finale anew against San Beda.