Knights gain solo ‘NC’ lead

Games Today (The Arena, San Juan) 12 noon – Mapua vs EAC 2 p.m. – JRU vs Lyceum 4 p.m. – Arellano vs San Sebastian

Letran once again banked on its disruptive defense and precise offense to turn back University of Perpetual Help, 79-71, last night and gain the solo lead in the NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

In a blitz that proved to be the decisive factor in their victory, the Knights scored seven straight points in the first 58 seconds of the second half, turning a two-point halftime lead into a 43-34 advantage.

Rey Nambatac, who finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and five steals, scored five in that run before Mark Cruz and Jomari Sollano took over to stretch Letran’s unblemished record to five games.

The win continued Letran’s amazing start under rookie coach Aldin Ayo, whose non-stop pressure defense has been described as the “House of Chaos”.

“I want my players to play desperate basketball,” said Ayo. “We cannot be complacent, we’re always the underdogs.

“It’s either mapagod or maiwan yung rhythm sa amin. Buti na lang nandun pa rin yung rhythm ng mga bata.”

Perpetual became the latest victim of Letran’s chaotic ways and dropped to a tie for second with defending five-time San Beda at 4-1.

The Altas were beaten after committing 27 turnovers.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Earl Scottie Thompson was left to carry the load for Perpetual and registered 22 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

Nigerian rookie Bright Akhuetie also fell prey to Letran’s disruptive style as he was held to just seven points and six rebounds.

Earlier, San Beda survived a comeback by College of St. Benilde and came away with a 73-67 win to tie Perpetual.

The Red Lions nearly squandered a 19-point lead when the Blazers, who fell to 1-4, came back to pull within 50-48 entering the fourth quarter.