Knights sink Pirates, return to NCAA Finals
Credit to Author: THE MANILA TIMES| Date: Fri, 08 Nov 2019 12:46:17 +0000
COLEGIO San Juan de Letran banked on a strong last quarter performance on Friday to stop Lyceum of the Philippines University, 92-88, and return to the finals of Season 95 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) seniors basketball tournament at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
The Knights will meet reigning champion San Beda Red Lions in a best-of-three series. The last time the two teams clashed was in 2015.
Jerrick Balanza, Fran Yu and Larry Muyang joined forces down the stretch to build and protect a double-digit cushion in the last quarter.
Yu led the Knights with 20 points, including eight in the pivotal fourth quarter, on top of five rebounds and six assists; Muyang added nine of his 19 points on top of nine rebounds; and Balanza had eight of his 11 points — all in the final canto.
“I give it to my veterans, especially to those outgoing players of Letran. They really wanted to prove something that they never proved in the past few years and they’re looking forward also to their future careers,” said Letran coach Bonnie Tan.
Yu anchored a crucial 15-2 run that overturned a 69-70 deficit into an 84-72 advantage behind Balanza’s three-point play with 5:26 remaining.
Lyceum came within 87-90 in the fading seconds but Letran made two free throws to seal the win.
JC Marcelino posted 26 points while Mike Nzeusseue added 19 and grabbed 15 rebounds for the Pirates.
Scores:
LETRAN 92 — Yu 20, Muyang 19, Batiller 13, Balanza 11, Reyson 6, Mina 5, Sangalang 5, Balagasay 4, Ular 4, Caralipio 2, Javillonar 2, Ambohot 1, Olivario 0.
LYCEUM 88 — Jc. Marcelino 26, Nzeusseu 19, David 11, Caduyac 5, Jv. Marcelino 5, Navarro 5, Tansingco 4, Ibanez 4, Remulla 4, Santos 3, Guinto 2, Valdez 0.
Quarter scores: 20-26, 44-40, 67-66, 92-88.
JOSEF T. RAMOS