The Letran Knights suffer another crunching defeat, falling to the OLFU Phoenix. Photo courtesy of Yvonne Altaire Solon of The LANCE.
The Letran Knights suffered another defeat, now in a match against the OLFU Phoenix, 62-80, in the Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup Season 3 held yesterday at UPHSD Gym 2.
Letran was led by Luis Tapenio, who garnered 13 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and a steal, followed by Joseph Nunag with 11 markers and five rebounds, and James Pradella, who contributed nine points, six boards.
The OLFU Phoenix showcased their dominance in the first quarter as each of the starting five scattered baskets, highlighted by a shot from behind the arc by Ace Tiamzon.
Jovel Baliling answered back with his own set of threes as he tried to lessen the score gap, backed by baskets from Nunag that allowed the Knights to gain a one-point lead, 22-21.
Without losing a stride, the Phoenix banked on Mamadou Toure, who felt unstoppable on every possession as he scored at will to regain the advantage for his squad at the half, 36-41.
The duo of Charles Dela Cruz and Kobi Davis launched triple after triple, which blew the game wide open for OLFU with the lead growing to as big as a 29-point gap, 51-80, with 4:56 left in the final quarter.
Bryan Alarcon, together with Nunag and Tapenio, tried to revert the favor to the Letran Knights but still fell short as the Phoenix lead proved to be insurmountable given the little time left in the ball game, 62-80.
OLFU Phoenix’ Toure had a monster performance as he poured in 23 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks, and a steal, while Gomez with 11 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
As for the last match of the Letran Knights in the elimination round, it will be against the UE Red Warriors on May 29, 2024, 9 A.M., at Enderun Colleges.
QUARTER SCORES: 22-21, 36-41, 45-65, 62-80.
LETRAN (62) -- Tapenio 13, Nunag 11, Pradela 9, Baliling 8, Garupil 6, Alarcon 4, Montecillo 4, Bojorcelo 3, Galoy 2, Tangkay 2, Ariar 0, Brillantes 0, Cuajao 0, Dimaano 0, Estrada 0, Go 0, Javillonar 0, Jumao-as 0, Manalili 0, Monje 0, Porcadas 0, Rosillo 0.
OLFU (80) -- Toure 23, Gomez 11, Dela Cruz 9, Davis 8, Templonuevo 8, Romero 6, Labayen 4, Salazar 4, Tiamzon 3, Loyola 2, Tecson 2, Bencalo 0, Guttierez 0, Gotera 0, Mendoza 0, Suelto 0, Tolentino 0.