By: Aulyn Gwen Bergado
The Letran Knights end their first round of the NCAA Season 99 Men's Basketball after losing to the Benilde Blazers. Photo courtesy of Yvonne Altaire Solon of The LANCE.
The Letran Knights simply cannot take the Benilde Blazers’ heat as they suffered a 55-68 upset in the NCAA Season 99 Men’s Basketball earlier today at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
With this loss, Letran ends the first round elimination with a 1-8 slate while Benilde tallies a 5-3 record.
Deo Cujao propelled Letran with 11 markers on top of an assist and a block while Kint Ariar and Kevin Santos dropped nine points apiece.
As Letran trailed in the early goings of the match, Kurt Reyson and Nicko Fajardo teamed up to show the way for Letran, cutting the cushion by three, 19-22.
But the Blazers continued to show fiery offense as they continued to do damage from beyond the arc in the third frame as they grab a 21-point advantage against the crumbling Knights, 32-53.
Cuajao continued to sparkle some light for the Knights as he drained consecutive triples to pave the Muralla-based team's momentum.
To make matters worse for Letran, Neil Guarino suffered an injury with a collision against Benilde’s Michael Mara.
The Taft-based team was spearheaded by Miguel Oczon who drained four triples to gain 15 points to go along six boards, six assists and a steal.
Miguel Corteza and Robi Nayve also produced 12 points each, respectively.
Letran will face UPHSD Altas to open their second round on October 25, 2 pm at the same venue.
The Scores:
Quarter scores: 11-18, 26-35, 40-60, 55-68.
LETRAN —Cuajao 11, Ariar 9, Santos 9, Reyson 7, Javillonar 5, Monje 4, Fajardo 3, Guarino 3, Nunag 2, Go 2, Bojorcelo 0, Bautista 0.
BENILDE — Oczon 15, Corteza 12, Nayve 12, Carlos 8, Gozum 7, Sangco 5, Turco 4, Cajucom 3, Mara 2, Marasigan 0, Arciaga 0, Morales 0, Marcos 0, Jalalon 0.