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Back-to-back 3-pointers from Mark Cruz and Rey Nambatac leads the Letran Knights from a 13-point deficit in the final quarter to remain undefeated
MANILA, Philippines – Back-to-back 3-pointers from Mark Cruz and Rey Nambatac led Colegio de San Juan de Letran to an 82-76 finish down the stretch against San Sebastian College-Recoletos at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan City on Tuesday, July 21.
The Golden Stags were leading with as much as 13 points at the 8:55 mark of the 4th period, but Aldin Ayo’s Knights managed to cut the deficit into a single digit with beyond-the-arc shots from Cruz and Kier Quinto, 66-59, prevented Letran from tasting its first setback in the 91st NCAA men’s senior tourney.
As charities kept San Sebastian’s lead intact, another basket by Cruz from downtown put the Intramuros-based brigade within striking distance, 73-71, with 2:01 remaining in the regulation.
Starting center Jomari Sollano tied the contest with his putback inside the painted area, but San Sebastian’s ace gunslinger Jon Ortuoste responded with a 3-pointer of his own at the 1:10 mark.
Cruz was determined to return the favor with another 3, but Ryan Costelo accidentally fouled the veteran playmaker, giving Letran a rare 4-point play and a 77-76 leverage with 55.1 seconds left in the game.
As the Golden Stags were unable to convert on the offensive end, Nambatac capitalized when Letran had the ball and drilled a trifecta that compelled San Sebastian head coach Rodney Santos to call a timeout.
Ortuoste was instructed to take a 3 to place the gold-and-red troop within one, but he overextended his long-range attempt, forcing San Sebastian to foul Nambatac with 19.6 seconds.
Nambatac hammered the final nail in the coffin with two free-throws, extending Letran’s winning streak to 4 and tying with the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta on top of the team standings.
Cruz finished with 29 points and converted 6 of his 15 3-point efforts, while Nambatac had 20 markers with two boards, 4 dimes, and 3 steals.
Sollano also contributed to Letran’s come-from-behind triumph over San Sebastian with 13 points and 7 rebounds.
On the other hand, San Sebastian was led by Ortuoste, who amassed 25 points, 6 rebounds, two assists, and one steal after registering a low output of 9 in the Golden Stags’ match versus Perpetual Altas on Friday, July 17.
San Sebastian dropped to a 1-3 win-loss slate in the league’s leader board with the loss to Letran.
Scores:
Letran (82) – Cruz 29, Nambatac 20, Sollano 13, Quinto 9, Racal 7, Luib 2, Publico 2, Apreku 0, Calvo 0, Balagasay 0
San Sebastian (76) – Ortuoste 25, Calisaan 16, Fabian 11, Costelo 10, David 6, Guinto 4, Sibal 2, Capobres 2, Santos 0, Pretta 0, Vera 0
Quarter scores: 27-23, 39-45, 52-62, 82-76
– Rappler.com
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