LETRAN imposed its presence down low and bullied Jose Rizal University, 74-58 Friday in the NCAA Season 94 seniors' basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The Knights’ frontcourt was too much to handle for the Heavy Bombers, with Larry Muyang unloading 14 points, nine rebounds, and three assists as Christian Fajarito adding 14 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks.
“Nung tinanong ako kung sino ang magse-step up para sa team namin, sabi ko kahit sino kaya. Ngayon yung dalawa ang nag-step up, binackupan nila yung dalawang leaders namin kaya naging maganda yung naging resulta, naging pabor para sa amin,” said coach Jeff Napa.
It was a complete evisceration on the boards in the part of Letran, outhustling and outmuscling JRU, 55 to 33 in the rebounding battle on its way to 50 points in the paint.
JP Calvo also contributed nine points, six assists, and two rebounds to guide the Knights to their second straight win and rise to 2-1.
Letran bucked a slow start and zoomed ahead in the second quarter, holding JRU to just nine points in the frame to take a 39-31 advantage.
It was all Knights from that point, with them extending the edge to a 27-point lead, 70-43 late in the game.
Jed Mendoza led the Heavy Bombers with 16 points, five assists, and four rebounds, while Leo Esguerra got 11 and 10.
JRU remained winless in three games to remain at the cellar.
The scores:
LETRAN 74 – Fajarito 14, Muyang 14, Calvo 9, Quinto 8, Ambohot 7, Balanza 7, Mandreza 4, Balagasay 3, Celis 3, Batiller 2, Taladua 2, Agbong 1, Banez 0, Yu 0.
JRU 58 – Mendoza 16, Esguerra 11, David 10, Miranda 9, Dela Virgen 6, Bordon 4, Mallari 2, Estrella 0, Dela Rosa 0, Padua 0, Ramos 0, Silvarez 0.
Quarters: 19-22, 39-31, 65-43, 74-58.