By: Rafael Manzano
File Photo from Luis Alfonso Tamondong
Veteran guard JP Calvo scored 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists to propel the Letran Knights over the Arellano University Chiefs, 84-73, in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 93 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
Calvo scored a booming triple with 17.4 seconds remaining that proved to be the exclamation point to the Knights’ much-needed victory. The game marked Calvo’s third straight 20-point game after scoring 21 apiece in losses to Jose Rizal University (JRU) and University of Perpetual Help (UPHSD).
Bong Quinto also scored a season-high 20 points to go with 10 rebounds, while Rey Nambatac added 14 markers and eight boards.
The Knights led as much as 16 points, 58-42, midway the third quarter. But the Chiefs sparked an 8-0 late game scare that led to a 79-73 battle with 39.7 seconds left in the game. However, Marvin Taywan was called for an unsportsmanlike foul on Letran’s Nambatac after holding on to the graduating skipper during an inbound play.
Nambatac made 1/2 free throws, but Calvo’s triple ensured enough separation to give his team its sixth victory after losing its last three games. The win was much sweeter for head coach Jeff Napa who is celebrating his 37th birthday.
This gives Letran a share of the fourth spot with Emilio Aguinaldo College. The Knights will face Mapua University on Friday, September 22.