GALLANT STAND. The Letran Knights stood strong and defended home court against Benilde. Photo by Luis Alfonso Tamondong.
One of the emerging problems of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is the diminishing crowd attendance in game venues. This led to the re-establishment of ‘NCAA on Tour’, where games are played in respective schools’ facilities.
The Letran community got a taste of the tour last August 3 as the Knights vanquished the College of St. Benilde inside a packed Blessed Antonio Varona, O.P. Gymnasium.
The Blazers, though, did overcome the hostile environment and were able to compensate the home team here and there. But the Knights went on a raging pursuit, rallying 11-0 to start the fourth quarter in the delight of their beloved audience.
Although emotions got the better of the Knights by putting on a show for the home crowd, they successfully defended Intramuros as the Blazers weren’t able to pierce through the historical walls anymore.
“Sobrang laking factor ng crowd ng Letran kasi nakaka-boost ng confidence,” said Rey Nambatac, who posted a season high 31 points to go along with 11 rebounds. “Iba 'yung atmosphere sa Letran gym, mas ramdam namin 'yung sigaw at suporta ng mga Letranista,” he added.
Letran is the first home team to win in the On Tour segment. With every basket resulting to cheers, the Muralla-based squad found inspiration from the Letran community whose support undoubtedly uplifted them. Hopefully, this would transpire throughout the season after a disappointing outing last year which saw only little attendance from the Letran hopefuls.
The win ignited a winning streak for Letran and started to make noise in the league once again, proving the team’s still a force to be reckoned with. It’s still a long season for all teams though.
NCAA on Tour stretches up to the second round in other participating schools’ facilities, hoping to reignite school spirit anew just like what it did to the Letran community.