Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Letran Knights drew strength from Rey Nambatac’s fourth quarter heroics as they overcame a fiesty Mapua Cardinals, 80-77, to regain the solo lead in the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan on Friday (August 14).
Nambatac poured in 14 of his 22 points in the final period to will the Knights back from a seven-point deficit and help them get back on top with an 8-1 win-loss record at the end of their first round campaign.
“What can I say, he (Nambatac) just played big even though he almost didn’t play in this game because of a sprained ankle,” said Letran coach Aldin Ayo, who is back after serving out a one-game suspension.
It appeared though that Letran was headed to a blowout after it built a 48-27 lead in the second quarter with the bullstrong Allwel Oraeme doing most of the damage.
But the Cardinals, undermanned after missing the services of Josan Nimes and CJ Isit due to injuries, came back strong and even snatched a 67-60 lead on an Exeqiel Biteng triple to start the fourth canto.
And then Nambatac, who managed just eight points entering the final stretch, took charge to help Letran avert another collapse following a shock 69-83 defeat to Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals last week.
In the other game, Arellano University routed St. Benilde, 85-73, to jump to a share of fourth spot with Jose Rizal with 5-3 cards.
The Blazers fell into a four-way logjam at No. 7 with the Generals, San Sebastian Stags, and Lyceum Pirates with identical 2-7 records.
