Rising Strong. Letran Knights outlast UST Tigers in the 12th FilOuil Flying V Preseason Cup. Photo by Angela Davocol
Colegio de San Juan de Letran displayed a glimpse of their depth after defeating University of Sto. Tomas, 95-90, to notch their first victory in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup on Sunday in San Juan.
Newcomers Larry Muyang and Christian Fajarito paved the way for Letran, while Bong Quinto added 22 points to spoil the UST coaching debut of his former coach Aldin Ayo.
Kenneth Zamora tried to keep the Tigers at bay after hitting 3 three-pointers to start-off the 4th canto, 71-67. However, Muyang and Fajarito dominated the paint in crunch time, scoring Letran’s last 12 points of the game.
"Advantage para sa amin [‘yung frontline] kasi mas nakakapagpahinga, especially ‘yung mga main players," said Napa.
“Like si Bong, although 27 minutes palang, pero never kong nakitang napagod ‘yung itsura niya. Unlike last year, kulang nalang lumabas ‘yung dila niya sa sobrang pagod,” he added.
Muyang finished the game with 17 points and 10 rebounds while Fajarito added 12 points and 12 boards. Jerrick Balanza added 17 points for Letran.
Reggie Basibas had 16 points and 4 rebounds while Zamora added 13 for UST in a losing effort.
The scores:
LETRAN 95 — Quinto 22, Muyang 17, Balanza 17, Fajarito 12, Calvo 6, Batiller 6, Balagasay 4, Celis 4, Agbong 3, Taladua 2, Mandreza 2, Yu 0, Ibanes 0, Ambohot 0, Galvelo 0.
UST 90 — Basibas 16, Huang 15, Subido 14, Zamora 13, Lee 8, Agustin 8, Cansino 5, Caunan 4, Bataller 3, Sta. Ana 2, Marcos 2.
Quarterscores: 14-15, 40-38, 67-56, 95-90.