By: Ohmer Bautista
In front of a jampacked Blessed Antonio Verona Gymnasium, the Colegio of San Juan de Letran Knights did not disappoint, bucking a sluggish start and willing a comeback to slip past the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 64-60, on Thursday evening.
Letran improves to a 3-1 card, while CSB drops to 2-3.
“Big win for us kasi CSB is a strong team. Pinush kami sa limit,” Letran head coach Jeff Napa admitted. “Yung character ng team, lumabas ng second half. Bumalik kami sa strength na total team effort para magsurvive kami sa game na to.”
Down by six at halftime, 25-31, the Knights — behind Christian Fajarito’s six points — uncorked a 12-6 spurt to knot things up at 37-all midway through the third. The Blazers though reclaimed a slim 44-43 cushion before the final frame courtesy of 7-6 rally capped by a James Pasturan lay-up.
In the payoff period, both teams fought tooth-and-nail, forcing deadlock over deadlock. However, inside the last two minutes, a Bong Quinto fadeaway over the outstretched arms of Justin Gutang gave Letran a 62-60 edge, which incited a 6-0 closing run — sealed by a Jerrick Balanza charity conversion.
Quinto led all scorers with 17 points, to go along with six rebounds and an assist. Twin towers Larry Muyang and Fajarito chipped 10 markers apiece, with the latter adding 11 big boards for the Knights, who outrebounded the Blazers, 41-32.
Meanwhile, Yankie Haruna spearheaded the Blazers with 13 markers in a losing cause. Clement Leutcheu added 10 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
The Knights will look to carry their momentum against the Arellano Chief, while the Blazers seek a bounce back win against league-leader Lyceum Pirates.
Both showdowns will take place on Tuesday, August 7, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores:
CSJL 64 – Quinto 17, Muyang 10, Fajarito 10, Batiller 8, Calvo 6, Yu 4, Balanza 2, Ambohot 2, Taladua 2, Mandreza 2, Celis 1, Balagasay 0, Agbong 0.
CSB 60 – Haruna 13, Leutcheu 10, Gutang 8, Dixon 8, Naboa 5, Velasco 5, Young 4, Domingo 3, Pasturan 2, Carlos 2.
Quarterscores: 13-17, 25-31, 43-44, 64-60
