By: Aulyn Gwen Bergado
Kurt Reyson paving the way for the Knights as it faced heavy opposition from the La Salle Green Archers. Photo courtesy of NCAA Philippines.
Hot shooting La Salle Green Archers were too much for the Letran as the Knights succumbed with a 79-101 heartbreak in the quarterfinals round of the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup yesterday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
This means that the Intramuros-based team bowed out of the league as they failed to clinch a semifinals seat.
Kurt Reyson paved the way for the Knights with 17 markers, eight assists and two boards.
Kobe Monje also produced 11 points alongside Pao Javillonar who wound up game-high 10 caroms, 10 points and an assist.
As the Knights struggled with their defense against the much taller Green Archers, the Taft-based team were able to notch a 19-0 blitz in the third canto, with Kevin Quiambao taking matters into his own hands.
Letran trailed by 21 points, the biggest lead in the game by La Salle but Kevin Santos and Monje tried to spark some light for the Knights, to cut the advantage to at least 11.
La Salle proved that they wanted the victory more as they relied on the heroics of Evan Nelle and CJ Austria in the endgame.
Kevin Quiambao posted 23 markers, six boards, two assists and one steal for La Salle who will be facing National University in the semi finals round of the preseason league.
Mark Nonoy added 18 while Nelle cashed in 12.
The scores:
Quarter scores: 18-23, 45-52, 61-74, 79-101.
LETRAN 79– Reyson 23, Monje 12, Javillonar 10, Cuajao 9, Tolentino 9, Galoy 7, Santos 6, Bojorcelo 4, Guarino 2, Nunag 2, Morales 2, Laquindanum 0, Bautista 0, Go 0, Morales 0, Casia 0.
LA SALLE 101– Quiambao 23, Nonoy 18, Nelle 12, Austria 7, Macalalag 6, Manuel 6, Policarpio 6, M. Phillips 6, Gollena 4, Abadam 4, David 4, Nwankwo 2, Cortez 2, Escandor 1, B. Phillips 0