The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights notched a much-needed win after a 57-40 romping of the hapless College of Saint Benilde Blazers, Tuesday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The win arrested Letran’s five-game losing skid.
“Marunong pa pala kami manalo,” said a delighted Letran head coach Jeff Napa.
Rey Nambatac led the Knights once again with 13 points, six coming from the charity stripe. However, he struggled from the field, going 3-for-12.
JP Calvo added eight markers, while three other Letran players score seven points.
“Malaking factor kasi magsunod sunod talo. Hopefully ito na ang mag-compose ng morale ng mga bata,” the multi-time UAAP juniors head coach added. “We have to be positive. Kailangan gumawa pa rin kami ng tama.”
The Knights’ defense held up its end of the deal, limiting the Saint Benilde Blazers to a season-low 40 points on a nightmarish 23 percent shooting clip. The previous low was 45 points, set by the Blazers against the Perpetual Altas last August 25.
Jerick Balanza, Marco Sario, and Chris dela Pena served their one-game suspension in this game.
To compound Benilde’s struggles, winger Emman San Juan sprained his right ankle with 1:37 remaining in the third quarter after a rebounding battle. He did not return to the game.
Christian Fajarito was the only Blazer to score in double-figures with 11 points. He added nine rebounds, three assists, and three blocks to his statline.
The Letran Knights (6th, 6-7) face a tough task in their next outing, going up against the red-hot San Sebastian Stags (8th, 5-9) on Friday, September 2, at 4:00pm. The Blazers (10th, 0-13), on the other hand, square off against the JRU Heavy Bombers (5th, 7-6) at 12:00nn.
“Sana magtuloy-tuloy na ang winning streak namin,” Napa concluded.
The Scores:
CSJL (57) – Nambatac 13, Calvo 8, Quinto 7, Luib 7, Sollano 7, Bernabe 6, Ambohot 5, Apreku 3, Pambid 1, Balagasay 0, Vacaro 0, Ular 0.
CSB (40) – Fajarito 11, Domingo JJ 8, Saavedra 7, Dixon 6, Sta. Maria 3, Castor 2, Young 2, San Juan 1, Haruna 0, Pajarillaga 0, Pasamante 0, Domingo JS 0.
Quarterscores: 13-14, 30-19, 45-29, 57-40.
