By: Rich Longakit
The Letran Knights are set to end their Basketball season by November 24. Photo courtesy of Eduardo Nollora Jr. of The LANCE.
Colegio de San Juan de Letran failed to avenge their first round loss to Emilio Aguinaldo College as they fell short again, 62-89 in the elimination round of NCAA Season 99 Men’s basketball earlier today at the FilOil EcoOil Sports Centre in San Juan.
With this defeat, the defending champions are officially out of the Final Four contention of the league, a disappointing run to say at least, compared to their past three seasons.
Kobe Monje had 14 points and seven rebounds, and Kevin Santos had 10 points, seven rebounds, and two steals. Reyson, on the other hand, had nine points and two steals.
A 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter provided the Knights with a glimmer of hope. The scores leveled off, but EAC proved their grit more.
The Knights continued to show their strengths in the second half, closing the gap to 46-39. Kurt Reyson was injured two minutes into the game.
Letran struggled with EAC’s defense in the final 29 seconds of the third quarter, which ended with a reverse layup by Robin, extending the lead.
Jp Maguliano continued to be a source of light for EAC as he spearheaded the team with 20 points with nine boards, an assist, a block. He was backstopped by Nat Cosejo who listed 18 markers and Ralph Robin with 16.
The Knights will face the LPU Pirates on November 5 at the same venue.
The Scores:
Quarter scores: 13-26, 39-46, 53-68, 69-82.
LETRAN (69) - Monje 14, Santos 10, Reyson 9, Cuajao 8, Nunag 6, Bojorcelo 5, Garupil 5, Brilliantes 4, Battalier 4, Ariar 2, Fajardo 2, Bautista 0, Go 0.
EAC (82) - Maguliano 20, Cosejo 18, Robin 16, Ochavo 9, Luciano 6, Quinal 5, Loristo 4, Gurtiza 2, Villaflor 2, Tolentino 0, Angeles 0, Bacud 0.