The only way for the Letran Knights to counter the Mapua Cardinals during the midst of a furious rally was to shoot three-pointers as the latter was on a zone.
Wing man Rey Nambatac realized this and did not hesitate to light it up from deep as he was instrumental in the Knights’ fourth quarter fightback to win, 80-77.
Letran trailed 60-67 before back to back triples by Nambatac capped a huge rally that gave the Intramuros-based squad the lead, 72-70. Letran staved off any comeback attempt from Mapua to preserve the win and improve to 8-1.
“Ang ginawa lang namin noong fourth quarter, nag-execute kami. Tira lang kami ng tira dahil lalabas at lalabas [ang depensa]. Positive naman ang sinabi ni coach na pumukol lang kami,” Nambatac, who finished with 22 points, ten rebounds, and five steals, said.
“Nung naghahabol kami, every possession is important for us. Kailangan naming maka-execute at maka-convert dahil habang tumatagal, nauubos na yung oras.”
Most of Nambatac’s threes were of the catch and shoot variety, assisted by guards who first attacked the lane relentlessly to create open looks for Nambatac. He finished firing a 6-for-12 clip from the outside.
“Yun ang una niyang [Coach Aldin Ayo] instruction sa amin. Sa mga shooters at wing guys, kailangan tumira hanggang dulo. Sa depensa, hindi kami tumigil hangga’t hindi pa nagba-buzzer,” the Smart Elite ambassador shared.
“Noong first half medyo okay pa yung offense namin pero malaki ang naging adjustment dahil ang Mapua nag-zone. Blessed lang kami dahil may fourth quarter pa para mag-adjust. Naka-scout namin ang defense nila.”
Head coach Aldin Ayo added Nambatac was still nursing a sprain and he did not expect him to play for the Mapua game, but he claims his wing man is one of those people he can lean on.
“Siya yung tipo na maasahan talaga,” Ayo said.
