By: Aulyn Gwen Bergado, Nicole Lim
Letran Knights' Kobe Monje and Kurt Reyson moving to execute defense against the Lyceum Pirates. Photo Courtesy of Allen Matthew Velasquez.
Letran Knights suffered yet another defeat, this time at the hands of neighbor Lyceum Pirates, 69-70 in the second game of the elimination round in the NCAA Season 99 Men’s Basketball tournament earlier today at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City.
Kurt Reyson led Letran and scored 17 points, dished out six assists and one steal.
Kobe Monje also contributed 13 markers while Pao Javillonar scattered 10.
A fastbreak layup by John Barba helped the Pirates improve to 2-0, while the Knights were placed in a frustrating situation with a 0-2 card.
Veterans Javillonar, Reyson and Monje started the game and put up points on the board, with equalized grit coming from the Pirates on the lead of Shawn Umali and Enoch Valdez.
Big man Javillonar suffered a sprained ankle in the second quarter. It was a crucial game for both teams as the Knights had a tough time going along with the Pirates’ hustle.
With renewed energy in the second half of the game, they tried to lead but ended with a deadlock in the middle of the 3rd at 48-all.
Both squads exchanged red-hot baskets at the last two minutes of the match with Reyson and Santos steering the wheel for the Knights while Barba and Umali teaming up for the Pirates.
Umali dropped 15 points and three boards for the Pirates, followed by Valdez who churned out 10 and Barba with nine.
The Letran Knights will try to hack their first win as they will be facing EAC Generals on Sunday, 10am still at the same venue.
The Scores:
Quarter Scores: 21-18; 36-35; 52-51; 70-69.
LPU 70- Umali 15, Valdez 10, Barba 9, Montano 7, Penafiel 7, Omandac 7, Villegas 5, Aviles 4, Bravo 4, Cunanan 2, Gaudana 0, Culanay 0, Moralejo 0, Versoza 0.
Letran 69- Reyson 17, Monje 13, Javillonar 10, Santos 8, Go 7, Ariar 6, Cuajao 4, Galvez 3, Tolentino 1, Guarino 0, Batallier 0, Fajardo 0.