MANILA, Philippines – Point guard Mark Cruz may be pocket-sized but he proved to be the big difference in Letran’s semifinals stunner over San Sebastian.
Cruz, who is listed at five-foot-five but actually appears shorter by an inch or two, notched his second straight 20-point game to help the Knights upset the Stags and earn an NCAA Finals date with fierce rival San Beda.
“I was so nervous in the final minutes but it crossed my mind that we must advance to the finals,” said the sophomore Cruz, younger brother of former University of the Philippines’ star Marvin.
He did though, hardly showed any nervousness down the stretch in Letran’s 73-70 squeaker over no.2 San Sebastian that propelled his team to the championship round Monday night.
The 20-year-old Cruz hit big shots late including a jumper that put his team up 69-66 with 1:52 left.
“I can’t say anything more about him (Cruz),” said Letran head coach Louie Alas.
“I’m already exhausted, I also felt I was about to cramp up fortunately Mark played a good game,” said Kevin Alas, who had the San Sebastian defense draped all over him following his epic 43-point downpour in the Knights 92-74 rout that forged the rubber match last Saturday.
Cruz led Letran in points, with half of his output coming in the payoff period.