Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 20) — The Letran Knights averted a late game collapse at the hands of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 83-62, in NCAA Season 97 at the La Salle Greenhills Gym on Wednesday.
The defending NCAA champions led all game long, but the Generals took advantage of a somehow relaxed Knights squad in the final period.
EAC sniper Marwin Taywan buried a triple and Nat Cosejo converted an inside shot to trim their deficit to just six points, 62-68, with over three minutes left in the match.
It proved to be the last attack of the Generals as the Knights unleashed a 15-0 scoring bomb until the final buzzer, led by three triples from versatile guard Fran Yu.
“Our opponents are having a scoring run against us. We need to step up, especially us guards, to control the game. I’m just lucky that my shots went in,” Yu said in the post-game interview.
Letran big men Louie Sangalang and Jeo Ambohot also contributed in the offensive onslaught of the reigning titlists, and played a big role in limiting EAC to low-percentage shots.
“Coach reminded us to keep our heads strong since in our past games, we are always breaking down in the fourth quarter,” Yu said.
Yu — the Finals Most Valuable Player in their 2019 title conquest — finished with 11 points for Letran. Brent Paraiso and Kurt Reyson both had a breakout game after leading the Knights with 15 points each while Rhenz Abando added 14 markers.
The victory kept Letran’s record flawless at 6-0, tied with San Beda. Like their bitter rivals, the Knights also clinched a play-in spot and may shoot for a Final Four berth against Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers on Saturday.
Cosejo led EAC with 13 points as the Generals forged a tie with San Sebastian Stage in sixth place – the last spot needed for the play-in tournament – with a 3-4 slate.
The Generals will face the Arellano University Chiefs in their next game on Sunday.
The Scores:
LETRAN 83 — Paraiso 15, Reyson 15, Abando 14, Yu 11, Ambohot 9, Mina 9, Sangalang 6, Caralipio 4, Fajarito 0, Olivario 0, Javillonar 0, Lantaya 0, Guarino 0, Tolentino 0, Ariar 0.
EAC 62 — Cosejo 13, Maguliano 11, Robin 10, Liwag 8, Taywan 7, Bunyi 5, Luciano 4, Gurtiza 4, Cadua 0, Fuentes 0, An. Doria 0, Ad. Doria 0, Cosa 0, Umpad 0.
Quarterscores: 23-12, 44-25, 63-44, 83-62.
