Knights Steal Game From Stags

UBelt.comby JP AbcedeColegio de San Juan de Letran may be comfortably perched in second place but it would need every win it could muster as the NCAA seniors’ basketball eliminations come to its near end. So do San Sebastian College Recoletos, who is attempting to pull the rug off idle Mapua Institute of Technology.Waking up from a five-point third quarter, the Knights had a barrage of 30 points in the final period. RJ Jazul and Bryan Faundo were guilty for 23 of those, as they led the charge for a 67-63 victory on August 24 at The Arena.From a 60-all tie going into the final minute, Alvyn Cabonce found himself in the spotlight, receiving a drop pass from a driving Jazul, then putting it in for a layup. He then split his freethrows with CSJL reclaiming possession two more times. John Melegrito then made two at the line, :15.8 to go, 65-60, in favour of the Letran. “Iyon ang primary goal is to be in the final four,” said Letran College coach Louie Alas, whose squad on its fifth straight semifinals appearance. Now that the Knights accomplished that, they are now gunning for a twice-to-beat advantage. The red and blue would get a crack at the top two if they win against San Beda College on August 31 or Jose Rizal University on September 3 at The Arena. Outside intervention, like a JRU win against the Stags on August 29 could also formalize the Muralla-based squad’s hold into the second luxury box. On the other hand, Baste is forced to win its last two matches to tie Mapua for the fourth and final semis seat. Against the controversy-ridden Red Lions, “Kailangan maglaro kami ng basketball,” Alas stated. “Kami pa rin ang underdogs. Kahit tinalo namin sila, sila pa rin ang team to beat.” He added, “We have to face the reality na malakas pa rin sila. I just hope may tsansa kaming manalo.” Jazul scored 23 points, 15 in the payoff period, shooting only 5/16 but making 11 of 12 freebies. He also had four assists, three steals, and a block. “Hopefully,” was Alas’ reaction whether his shooting guard has already brushed off his slump. “Tough naman ang batang iyan.” Faundo registered a double-double with 18 and ten. Cabonce had five points, 13 boards, and three steals. “I am really impressed doon sa ball pressure namin kanina,” Alas praised, whose Knights forced San Sebastian to 30 turnovers for 24 turnover points, despite shooting a measly 31% at the field. “Stay in the game. Basta may tsansa para makahabol.” Jim Viray made all of his 21 points from the field. Pamboy Raymundo notched 16 along with four rebounds, three assists, a steal, and seven errors. Francis de Leon had ten, five, and two blocks.