In their most impressive showing of the season, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights completely had their way against the Arellano University Chiefs, taking a dominant 88-70 victory, Tuesday evening at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
But for Knights head coach Jeff Napa, he is still not satisfied with the win.
“Actually, hindi pa ito yung best performance namin. Tentative ‘yung team nung start. But ‘yung character na maglaro as a team, nanumbalik,” shared the third-year mentor.
Letran showcased their embarassment of riches in the game as six players scored in double-figures, two tallying double-doubles.
Larry Muyang had his way in the paint, finishing with 16 points on 6-for-7 shooting to go along with 10 rebounds. Christian Fajarito had 11 points and 11 rebounds. Muyang and Fajarito only played for 22 minutes respectively.
The Knights imposed their height on the Chiefs, out-rebounding them 50 to 33. In addition, the Knights had 42 inside points.
After a strong third frame, the Knights continued their surge in the final frame. Even if Ian Alaban sliced the lead of Letran down to just eight points with 3:33 left, the Knights continued to stick to their game plan.
“Nung third quarter lang ata kami naglaro ng tama. At least yung mga player, nag-respond,” added Napa.
Baskets by Bonbon Batiller, Jeo Ambohot, and Muyang had their way to restore order and push the lead back to as high as 18 points.
Jerrick Balanza and JP Calvo had 14 and 13 points respectively, while Bong Quinto and Bonbon Batiller added 11 points each.
Michael Canete was limited to just two points in the final quarter after scoring 21 in the first three. He gobbled down eight rebounds as well.
Rence Alcoriza and Levi dela Cruz had 13 and 11 points each.
Letran takes on arch-rivals San Beda Red Lions on Friday, August 10. Arellano face the JRU Heavy Bombers on the same day.
The Scores:
CSJL 88 – Muyang 16, Balanza 14, Calvo 13, Quinto 11, Fajarito 11, Batiller 11, Ambohot 8, Mandreza 2, Agbong 2, Balagasay 0, Taladua 0, Yu 0, Celis 0
AU 70 – Canete 23, Alcoriza 13, Dela Cruz 11, Alban 8, Villoria 7, Concepcion 6, Dela Torre 2, Sera Josef 0, Ongolo Ongolo 0, Santos 0, Bayla 0, Sacramento 0, Codinera 0, Segura 0
Quarterscores: 16-17, 37-36, 66-55, 88-70
