Knights rip Stags, raise record to 2-0
After Letran’s first win in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament, Jimboy Estrada spoke highly of the Knights’ desire to make this campaign their “redemption season,” echoing what coach Allen Ricardo has instilled in their mindset.
“We’re just trying to build momentum heading into our other games,” Ricardo said, after steering Letran to a 2-0 record in Group A following a lopsided 99-62 victory over San Sebastian on a rainy Friday at San Juan Arena.
“This is the redemption season that coach Allen (Ricardo) has been saying all the time,” Estrada said.
“As much as we can, defensively, we want to excel, and offensively, we want to push the ball,” Ricardo said as the Knights started out hot with a 24-15 lead in the first quarter and were never headed.
The Knights continued their onslaught in the second quarter, limiting the Golden Stags to just 12 points in the second frame to make the final half a cruise as the first half ended with Letran sitting on a 49-27 bubble.
Denzil Walker top-scored for last season’s losing finalists with 25 points, while Chad Gammad finished with 19 that went with four rebounds and three assists. Titing Manalili, meanwhile, was an assist shy of a double-double with 14 points.
Khit Barroga paced San Sebastian with 15 points, Matt Acosta scoring 10 as the Stags lost for the second straight game.
The first game between San Beda and Jose Rizal University (JRU), meanwhile, was called off because of a slippery playing court caused by leaks on the roof brought about by heavy afternoon rains.
At the 5:25 mark of the first quarter, JRU led San Beda 9-3, but game officials asked for a break in the game, which ultimately led to the match’s suspension.
Heavy rains ensued in the San Juan area, affecting the playing court and making it unfit for players.
The NCAA committee kept the players’ safety in mind with the decision as the floor became “too moist” for play.
Laurence Mangubat scored six of the Bombers’ nine points while Chris Hubilla had three. Zed Etulle was the lone scorer for the Red Lions with three.
