Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 3) – Defending NCAA champions Colegio De San Juan De Letran Knights imposed their might against Perpetual Altas, 68-57, to stretch their unbeaten start to three games in NCAA Season 97 on Sunday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
A close first half encouraged the Knights to create smart shot selections and tighten up their defense in the third quarter as they outscored the Altas, 26-13, to build a double-digit advantage that went as high as 21 points.
Letran standout Rhenz Abando – who played his best game so far for the Muralla-based squad with career high 24 points – commanded the scoring attack in the fourth quarter to run away with the victory.
“Our coach wants to treat every game like a championship game because we cannot recover if we lose this one,” Abando said in the post-game interview.
Louie Sangalang and Allen Mina contributed 10 points for the undefeated Knights, while reliable bigs Christian Fajarito and Jeo Ambohot grabbed 11 rebounds each in their win.
The Altas – who fell to a 1-2 slate – were led by Jeff Egan with 15 points while Kim Aurin chipped in 12 points and six rebounds.
The Knights will stake their immaculate record against Mapua Cardinals on Friday noon, while the Altas seek to return to the winning track against Arellano Chiefs on Wednesday at 3 p.m.
The Scores:
LETRAN 68 – Abando 24, Sangalang 10, Mina 10, Caralipio 6, Fajarito 5, Ambohot 4, Paraiso 4, Yu 2, Olivario 2, Reyson 1, Guarino 0, Tolentino 0, Javillonar 0
PERPETUAL 57 – Egan 15, Aurin 12, Omega 8, Nunez 6, Barcuma 5, Abis 4, Ferreras 4, Sevilla 2, Boral 1, Razon 0, Martel 0, Cuevas 0, Pagaran 0
Quarterscores: 13-10, 28-23, 54-36, 68-57
