NCAA: Nambatac powers Letran past JRU

Rey Nambatac and the Letran Knights. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Rey Nambatac proved to be too much in the clutch as he willed Letran past Jose Rizal University, 67-62, in the NCAA Season 92 Men’s Basketball Tournament Thursday at San Juan Arena.

Nambatac hit a long three-pointer from the left wing to give the Knights a 65-60 lead with 44.5 ticks left and fend off the Heavy Bombers, who came within two.

The Knights held a comfortable 60-53 lead midway through the fourth after a 10-3 run.

“At least naka bounce back kami at nagawa namin kailangang gawin, mga mistakes namin sa previous games na-correct namin,” said Knights head coach Jeff Napa, referring to the 61-55 loss to Mapua. “Ito maganda sa kanila eh, kahit anong mangyari, stick sila sa game plan and kaya nilang mag adjust sa kung ano kailangang itama.”

Nambatac waxed hot in the fourth quarter scoring 15 of his total 29 points to lead the Knights, who now sit at solo third with a 5-2 card.

Jom Sollano was pedestrian in the offensive end, scoring only four points but grabbed a team-high 11 boards.

Paulo Pontejos had 27 points to lead the Heavy Bombers, who skid to their fourth loss in six games.