Letran staves off Perpetual, draws near to 4th spot

MANILA, Philippines – Letran avoided a late-game collapse as it withstood a wild comeback by Perpetual Help 62-57 Monday night in the NCAA Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Knights blew an 18-point lead before making the necessary stops to chalk up a crucial win.

“We move just one game behind (in the standings) for the last final four slot,” said Letran head coach Louie Alas.

Jett Vidal sinlge-handedly carried Perpetual Help in the third quarter, where the Altas turned a 12-point deficit to a 47-42 edge entering the final quarter.

Vidal had 16 points in the third period alone, hitting four triples at one stretch, with his last three giving the Altas a 44-40 lead.

But the Knights, who held the Altas to just two points in the first quarter, answered with back-to-back triples to regain the lead and the momentum.

Kevin Alas made his presence felt in the fourth quarter, scoring nine of his 13 points. Alas even made the go-ahead drive, 58-57, with 1:39 left.

Kevin Racal and Jam Cortes went perfect at the line to seal the win. Raymond Almazan also made an impact with 15 rebounds and four blocks.

The Altas botched a chance to move into a tie with San Sebastian and JRU in second place, falling to 7-4.