By:
Letran Knights vs. San Sebastian Stags. Photo courtesy to Ram Christian Campos, The LANCE.
SAN JUAN CITY—Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights started with their first game of the season ending on a sour note, scoring 84 points against San Sebastian Stags who scored 91 points, last Sunday, Sept. 8.
Kobe Monje surged 16 points, one assist, and two rebounds, followed by James Jumao-os with 16 points and six rebounds, with Jimboy Estrada chiming in 14 points.
Letran came strong in the first quarter, scoring 30 points creating a masterful display for their defense, adding 22 points for the second quarter, obtaining 52 points.
The Letran Knights struggled to contain their speed as they committed 14 turnovers. But didn’t fail at taking control in the court with 21 rebounds and 67% shooting percentage.
James Jumao-os led their play in the half-time with 14 markers and two rebounds, followed by Jimboy Estrada with 9 points, one assist, and four rebounds.
Dominating San Sebastian Stags for three quarters, scoring 63 points, making the Letran Knights lead with 75 points.
However, the Letran Knights lost their momentum in the fourth quarter as the San Sebastian Stags knew how to play despite the Muralla-based team’s advantage in the court playing with their height.
Rafael “Paeng” Are, rampaged 17 points in the last quarter, making an epic comeback. San Sebastian Stags now buried Letran Knights scoring 28 points for the quarter, in total of 94 points, while the latter scored 9 points, totaled: 81 points.
What is Next for Letran Knights?
In an exclusive interview with The LANCE, Letran Knights Head Coach, Mr. Allen Ricardo stated that his next focus for the team is him fixing the boys’ personality as an individual inside the court.
Coach Allen emphasized the importance of his players' character, stating, “Kasi I believe na kung maayos ang personality nila [or character nila], pagdating sa practices atyaka sa court, magma-materialize din yon.”
Reflecting on their game against San Sebastian, Coach Allen shared his realization that despite leading by 14 points in the first three quarters, “there was a sudden change of energy,” which caused them to lose their composure and impact on both offense and defense.
Coach Allen admitted that he felt “heaviness” by the loss, and apologizes to the Letran Community.
“Humihingi po ako ng pasensya sa inyo, sa mga bata at sa akin. Hopefully, makuha namin ang upcoming games.”
Letran Knights’ Game 2 which will be against JRU Heavy Bombers, 12 noon at Filoil EcoOil Centre, San Juan City on Sept. 13.
QUARTER SCORES: 30-24, 52-48,73-63, 84-91
SSC-R 91 – Are 30, Ricio 14, Felebrico 14, Escobido 13, Re. Gabat 8, Velasco 4, L. Gabat 4, Aguilar 2, Barroga 2, Maliwat 0, Suico 0, Lintol 0, Pascual 0
Letran 84 – Monje 16, Jumao-as 16, Estrada 14, Montecillo 9, Santos 7, Go 7, Dimaano 6, Cuajao 5, Galoy 4, Delfino 0, Nunag 0, Pradella 0, Baliling 0