The Letran Knights end their round one debut at the NCAA Season 99 with zero wins. Photo courtesy of Calvin Manalili of The LANCE.
The Knights’ intensified zone defense did not stall Art Roque in fuming from 20 feet beyond, giving away an inflated 59 - 74 loss to the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, earlier today at FilOil EcoOil Arena for the NCAA Season 99 Men's Basketball.
Letran’s Head Coach Rensy Bajar shuffled a new deck of Knights that involved three rookies — acknowledging their very unfamiliar position during their 0 - 6 stretch, the team emphasized the need for rotational changes and strategies.
Deo Cuajao, recording 15 markers, once again showed his aggressive trifecta owning Letran’s first lead at the end of the opening quarter, 13 - 11. The seasoned champs went for a dog fight against the 8th seeded team from season 98— forcing each other on tight defensive ends. Both teams operated at a slow pace as they recorded less than 30% field goals in the first half with 25 - 21.
Kurt Reyson and Kobe Monje also churned out 12 and 10 to provide firepower for the Muralla-based squad.
The men in blue and red surged an offensive sequence as Reyson turned the jets for an and-1 lay that diminished a single possession gap. It was then followed by a DC trey and a Kevin Santos throwdown. Unfortunately, their opponents had today’s blueprint and answered to their valiant offensive efforts.
Heading to the final regulation, the Knights still know that they need a strong end-game composure to bag the first win. But, the Altas continued torching from the 3-point land to outscore the former champions, 74-59.
Art Roque was not a green light shooter prior this Sunday coming in with only an 11.1% ratio from three. That was not the case today as he held the hot hand swishing six treys all over the arc. His second half wizardry was enough to sink Letran’s sail towards their first win of the season.
This game displayed the Knights potency on the defensive end, despite missing the action of key big man Pao Javillonar due to health reasons. They have another chance for redemption and terminate the winless drought next game against San Sebastian Golden Stags, October 18, still in the same venue.
The Scores:
Quarter scores: 13-11, 25-21, 39-44, 59-74
LETRAN (59)— Cuajao 15, Reyson 12, Monje 10, Ariar 5, Guarino 5, Fajardo 4, Nunag 4, Bataller 2, Santos 2,Garupil 0, Bautista 0, 0, Jumao-as 0, Go 0, Bojorcelo 0.
PERPETUAL (74)— Roque 22, Razon 12, Pagaran 12, Abis 6, Barcuma 5, Omega 5, Nitura 3, Ferreras 3, Orgo 2, Nunez 2, Gelsano 2, Cuevas 0.