MANILA, Philippines – Although Colegio de San Juan de Letran had a slow start in the game against College of Saint Benilde, the Knights were able to finish strong by defeating the Green Blazers, 79-69, on Thursday, September 10 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.
The PBA-bound duo of Mark Cruz and Kevin Racal led the Aldin Ayo-mentored squadron as Letran flicked its switch in the fourth quarter and cruised to its third-straight win in the second round of the NCAA Season 91 basketball eliminations.
Saint Benilde was ahead by 62-56 early in the final frame when the Intamuros-based brigade sparked a 9-0 blitz to claim a 72-65 cushion with 4:53 remaining, capping off with back-to-back triples from Rey Nambatac and Cruz.
Cruz starred in Letran’s fourth-quarter surge by mustering 20 baskets, while Racal contributed to the victory by adding 18 markers.
Aside from Cruz and Racal, McJour Luib chipped in 16 points for Letran, who improves its win-loss slate to 11-2.
On the other hand, John Domingo and Jonathan Grey scored with 14 points apiece for Saint Benilde as the Green Blazers bow out of semifinals contention with a 3-10 record.
Scores:
CSJL (79) – Cruz 20, Racal 18, Luib 16, Sollano 9, Quinto 9, Nambatac 5, Apreku 2, Calvo 0, Balagasay 0.
CSB (69) – Domingo JJ 14, Grey 14, Ongteco 12, Saavedra 10, Nayve 6, Domingo JS 5, Jonson 3, Young 3, Fajarito 2, Deles 0, Sta. Maria 0, Castor 0
Quarter scores: 13-22, 40-38, 54-56, 79-69