A Battle long-awaited between the arch rivals Letran Knights and San Beda's Red Lions falls on the latter's hands. Photo courtesy of Patrick Dominic Romero of The LANCE.
SAN JUAN, PHILIPPINES- The San Beda Red Lions banked on a hot start to beat the cold-shooting Letran Knights, 91-77, in their 3 PM match-up earlier today.
The Knights were down 2-11 early in the first, due to San Beda's Damie Cuntapay's hot hand, but managed to cut the lead to 3, 19-22, to end the opening quarter. Cuntapay finished the game with 16 points and made 4 threes.
It was James Kwekuteye's 19 points to go along with 7 rebounds, and 2 assists, however, that led the Red Lions to improve to 11-5.
The Final Four-bound Knights ended their nine-game winning streak against the Red Lions and were the first time that they lost twice to the same team this season.
Kurt Reyson contributed 11 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal in his efforts to start a comeback in the fourth, but his night prematurely ended after being called for a second technical foul.
Niel Guarino also tried to kickstart a run after getting 8 points and 4 rebounds in his limited time of play, but San Beda hit shot after shot to end any hopes of a Letran comeback.
The Knights' next game is against the Mapua Cardinals on Saturday, November 19, 2022.
THE SCORES:
LETRAN 77- Caralipio 14, Reyson 11, Yu 10, Paraiso 8, Sangalang 8, Guarino 8 Tolentino 2, Javiollionar 2, Olivario 5, Santos 0
SAN BEDA 91- Kwekuteye 19, Cuntapay 16, Andrada 15, Bahio 10, Cometa 10, Ynot 8, Cortez 5