Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 26) – Reigning titlists Colegio De San Juan De Letran Knights are a win away from sweeping the NCAA Season 97 elimination round after pushing past the San Sebastian College Golden Stags, 73-69, on Tuesday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
Letran owns a flawless 8-0 record and secured a twice-to-beat semifinals advantage, ahead of its clash with archrival and second placer San Beda in the last game of the eliminations round on Friday.
San Sebastian closed its eliminations campaign with a 3-6 record, but is still in contention to clinch the last two play-in spots.
Rhenz Abando came off the bench in this game but still anchored the Letran offense with 18 points and nine rebounds while Louie Sangalang added 12 markers, eight boards, and two steals for the team’s crucial victory.
The first three quarters saw the Knights draining their buckets and holding off the Stags’ aggressive offensive plays to tally a 15-point lead.
In the fourth quarter, San Sebastian breathed back to life as it rose from a double-digit deficit to just three points after JM Calma and Ken Villapando delivered the clutch shots to only trail at 69-72 in the last 9.3 seconds.
Letran successfully protected its advantage in the next possession with Jeo Ambohot splitting his two free-throws and getting the offensive rebound to retain the ball until the final buzzer sounded.
Calma – one of the leading Most Valuable Player award contenders – finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds for the Stags.
The Scores:
LETRAN 73 – Abando 18, Sangalang 12, Ambohot 11, Paraiso 10, Caralipio 6, Olivario 5, Javillonar 4, Mina 4, Reyson 3, Yu 0, Fajarito 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 69 – Calma 22, Abarquez 9, Altamirano 8, Villapando 7, Are 6, Desoyo 5, Dela Cruz 5, Cosari 4, Shanoda 2, Calahat 1, Concha 0, Felebrico 0, Loristo 0, Re. Gabat 0.
Quarterscores: 12-14, 32-24, 55-44, 73-69.
