Photo by: GMA Sports
The Letran Knights continue their winning ways to start the season, dominating the Arellano Chiefs 96-67 during their afternoon matchup on March 30th.
With a steadier offense complemented by their suffocating defense, the defending champs limited AU to shooting only 32.9% from the field. Both teams started out strong, but Letran took off in the second quarter while holding AU with only 9 points.
Arellano performed better in the 3rd frame, cutting the lead to only 11 at one point. Letran however ended the quarter strong highlighted by a buzzer-beating half-court heave from Tommy Olivario with 0.7 seconds left on the clock. He finished the game with 15 points and 7 assists off the bench.
Keeping their feet on the gas, the Knights pushed the lead furthermore with four 3-pointers in the final quarter and lead by as much as 32, 94-62.
Letran also showed dominance in the paint, scoring 62 points inside. It was highlighted by the best player of the game, Jeo Ambohot, and his career high of 20 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Louie Sangalang contributed a double-double, putting up 10 points and crashing 10 boards. Prized recruit Rhenz Abando in addition put up 11 points and 7 rebounds, following his stellar debut last Saturday. The Knights outrebounded the Chiefs, 52-35.
Arellano definitely missed their star center Justin Arana, who had an ACL sprain during their last game against San Sebastian. Arana was initially diagnosed with a partial ACL tear and was ruled out for the season, but will return to suit up for the Chiefs even as early as Saturday. Kalen Doromal and John Carandang stood up for AU, with each of them scoring 11 points.
Ambohot during the post-game interview put emphasis on starting strong in order to set the tone for their upcoming games. Head Coach Bonnie Tan also pointed out the need to improve on their own mistakes, as shown by their 23 turnovers, in order to bring out the best version of themselves. Letran’s next game will be against the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas on Sunday at 12:00 in the afternoon.
Quarter scores:
20-17, 41-26, 66-51. 96-67
Scores:
Letran 96 — Ambohot 20, Olivario 15, Abando 11, Sangalang 10, Caralipio 9. Reyson 6, Javillonar 6. Mina 5, Paraiso 4, Lantaya 4, Fajarito 3, Guarino 3, Yu 0, Tolentino 0.
Arellano 67 — Doromal 11, Carandang 11, Sablan 9, Caballero 7, Cruz 7, Valencia 6, Oliva 4, Steinl 4, Abastillas 3, Sta. Ana 3, Talampas 2, Uri 0, Dela Cruz 0, Concepcion 0.