Kobe Monje of the Letran Knights shown as the winless team attempts to secure a win, ultimately failing at their 5th game. Photo courtesy of Kyla Anne Velasco of The LANCE.
On a disappointing second half run, the Letran Knights faltered against Arellano Chiefs, pulling off a disappointing 80-87 loss in the NCAA Season 99 Men’s Basketball Tournament earlier today at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
With the same scenario with their past matches, Letran being able to keep up with the energy in the first half and falling in the second.
This upset has pushed the defending champions to the bottom of the standings, on a winless campaign.
Letran dominated the first quarter, courtesy of Deo Cuajao's steady shooting, which resulted in 15 points.
Despite the Chiefs' tremendous run, Kobe Monje led the Knights with 18 points and 11 rebounds. While skipper Kurt Reyson's shooting became uneven, he still produced 16 points.
Reyson and Joseph Nunag delivered for the Knights as they were able to take a nine-point cushion, 44-35.
At the end of the third frame, Reyson hit a buzzer-beater basket giving Letran a 64-65 lead.
The eagerness to win on the side of Arellano is evident as Felix Valliente with 15 points, six assists and Troy Valencia continue 14 points giving the Chiefs points one after another, causing the Knights to lose momentum in the game.
The Knights narrowed the advantage to two points, 75-73, through Monje's shooting, which helped the defense earn its chance at first victory.
Despite the Knight’s efforts, Troy Valencia's layup and Dominic Dayrit's three pointer extended the margin and helped them seal their first win under Coach Chico Manabat.
The Knights are still looking for their first victory, and they will face UPHSD Altas on October 15 at the same venue.
The Scores:
Quarter scores: 27-25, 50-47, 65-64, 80-87.
LETRAN— Monje 18, Reyson 16, Cuajao 15, Santos 9, Ariar 7, Javillonar 5, Nunag 4, Garupil 4, Fajardo 2, Guarino 0.
ARELLANO— Villarente 15, Valencia 14, Talampas 11, Sunga 10, Abastillas 9, Ongotan 5, Yanes 5, Dayrit 5, Capulong 5, Geronimo 4, Mallari 4, Dela Cruz 0.