By: Jonash Dannug
DEFEATED. Letran Knights receive its first loss from FEU Tamaraws during the FilOil Flying V Cup Tournament. (Photo by Michael Estupigan/The Lance)
The Letran Knights bow to the FEU Tamaraws, 80-77, Wednesday, in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup in San Juan City.
With 52.6 seconds remaining in the game, Jerrick Balanza drained a three-pointer that tied the game at 74. However, in the next possession, it was Arvin Tolentino who stole the show for FEU, as he fired back with a trey of his own to give the lead back to the surging Tamaraws, 77-74.
Bong Quinto tried to lift the Knights after converting an and-1 to cut the deficit to a solidary point with 10.1 seconds in the clock, but it was still Tolentino who prevailed as he was left open under the basket for an easy lay-up.
“Minama kami ni Quinto eh, I think that’s gonna help us especially in the season playing against tough opponents like [Letran],” said FEU head coach Olsen Racela
Tolentino paced FEU with 17 points. Richard Escoto added 13 points and 4 boards while Wendell Comboy finished the game with 12 points.
Quinto led all scorers with 23 points while Jerrick Balanza added 14 points in a losing effort.
Letran falls to a 1-1 card in the group B of the tournament as it looks to bounce back on Tuesday, May 8, against NCAA champs Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates.
The scores:
FEU 80 – Tolentino 17, Escoto 13, Comboy 12, Tuffin 9, Orizu 9, Ebona 7, Cani 5, Ramirez 4, Nunag 3, Inigo 1, Bayquin 0, Stockton 0, Parker 0
LETRAN 77– Quinto 23, Balanza 14, Muyang 8, Calvo 6, Fajarito 5, Agbong 5, Yu 5, Batiller 4, Taladua 3, Ambohot 2, Celis 2, Balagasay 0, Mandreza 0, Galvelo 0
Quarter scores: 21-19, 34-37, 57-53, 80-77