Last July 25, the Letran Knights were reeling, dropping to a 1-3 slate after losing to arch-rivals San Beda Red Lions, 81-74.
Though the Knights’ morale was down, keeping close to the defending champions all throughout the game made the student-athletes from Letran realize that they can keep pace with the upper echelon of the league.
“Nagsimula ‘to nung Beda, siguro nagising kami nung game namin sa Beda. Sila yung gumising samin para magkaroon kami ng chance sa… Kasi 1-3 kami nun di ba?” recalled fourth-year forward Bong Quinto.
Since the loss, the Knights have racked up three straight wins coming at the expense of the Arellano Chiefs, the Saint Benilde Blazers, and the Perpetual Altas.
During that stretch, Letran were able to limit their opponents to just 41.62 percent shooting after allowing their opponents to run past them during their first four games. Quinto himself showcased his well-rounded game, scoring 12.0 points on 11-for-23 shooting to go along with 5.0 rebounds and 4.33 assists.
More than the numbers, Quinto also proved himself on the defensive end, defending almost all five positions — including Perpetual’s big man Prince Eze.
“Medyo nagfo-focus na yung defense ng kalaban kay Rey [Nambatac] so ako, naisip ko na siyempre kailangan ko makatulong,” furthered Quinto after Letran’s 63-61 win over Perpetual.
“Siyempre ayoko naman sayangin yung pagkakataon.”
And for team captain Nambatac, he feels that his team is starting to find their rhythm.
“Magandang chance to dahil nga third straight win na namin so unti unti nakukuha namin yung rhythm namin, kumpyana namin sa team,” said Nambatac.
“Kada next game namin lagi kaming ready eh kasi yun nga, ito na momentum namin, nakuha na namin.”
