Rey Nambatac, the NCAA’s leading scorer with an average of 24.1 markers per game, figured in a slow start in the Letran Knights’ penultimate tilt in the first round against Intramuros neighbors Lyceum. The Pirates defense were able to limit the Cagayan de Oro-native to just eight points in the first three quarters of the game.
“We want to work on the legs, from the first quarter up to the dying seconds,” Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson said about his team’s defense on Nambatac. “We have so much respect for him and the team coach Jeff Napa has.”
“Nagulat din ako sa depensa nila sa akin, di ko rin inexpect na ganun ang gagawin nila, pero yun na yung nasa utak ko na tatauhin nila ako hanggang fourth quarter,” Nambatac added.
“Di lang ako prepared masyado kaya di maganda yung shooting ko.”
The Letran senior was able to score 14 points in the final frame, including a clutch triple that cut the lead to just a solitary point 72-73 with 12 ticks remaining. However, free throws by Reymar Caduyac and a huge stop by the Pirates on the other end sealed the win for Lyceum.
“Late ko na nakuha yung momentum ko. Nung fourth na ako nag-click,” Nambatac, who attempted six free throws in the game – an attempt shy of his average. “Kinulang lang sa oras pero kung start pa lang ng second half, kung medyo nakuha ko na agad, di na siguro aabot sa ganito.”
“Para sa akin, gagawin ko ang lahat para manalo. Tinitignan nila ko na ayaw ko magpatalo.”
With one more game before ending their first round campaign, Nambatac guaranteed that he and the Knights will give it their all to get that W.
“It’s going to be a tough game on Tuesday. Para makaposisyon kami ng maganda sa second round, gagawin namin yung best namin,” he closed.
