Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 30) – Reigning NCAA champions Colegio De San Juan De Letran Knights asserted their dominant form against the Arellano University Chiefs, 96-67, to remain unscathed in the tournament on Wednesday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
The Knights had a superior offensive performance after shooting 57.7% of their total field goals, against the Chiefs’ 32.9% shooting clip.
Jeo Ambohot became the main man in the middle for Letran – finishing with a career-high 20 points, along with eight rebounds.
Tommy Olivario added 15 markers while star player Rhenz Abando delivered with 11 points and seven boards to help the Knights improve to a 2-0 slate.
The first quarter was a see-saw battle between the two squads, but Letran staged a scoring rally in the second period and outscored the Chiefs, 21-9.
The defending champions continued to fire buckets in the second half against a hapless Arellano squad that missed the services of talented big man Justin Arana, who sprained his right knee during their opening game win against San Sebastian last Sunday.
“We have to take advantage,” said Knights coach Bonnie Tan. “People are looking at us on how we can respond to the absence of Arana, the top center in the NCAA. I really want my team to post a convincing win.”
Axel Doromal and John Carandang each had 11 points for Arellano.
The Chiefs fell to 1-1, tied with the College of St. Benilde Blazers, who they will face next on Saturday at noon.
Letran looks to extend its winning ways against the Perpetual Help Altas on Sunday, also at noon.
The scores:
LETRAN 96 – Ambohot 20, Olivario 15, Abando 11, Sangalang 10, Caralipio 9. Reyson 6, Javillonar 6. Mina 5, Paraiso 4, Lantaya 4, Fajarito 3, Guarino 3, Yu 0, Tolentino 0.
ARELLANO 67 – Doromal 11, Carandang 11, Sablan 9, Caballero 7, Cruz 7, Valencia 6, Oliva 4, Steinl 4, Abastillas 3, Sta. Ana 3, Talampas 2, Uri 0, Dela Cruz 0, Concepcion 0
Quarterscores: 20-17, 41-26, 66-51, 96-67
