LETRAN blasted Perpetual, 88-69, to clinch a Final Four berth in the NCAA Season 95 seniors basketball tournament on Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Jerrick Balanza spearheaded had 18 points and three rebounds as the Knights made it two straight wins to improve to 11-6 in the standings behind San Beda at 17-0 and Lyceum at 12-4.
"Good win," said coach Bonnie Tan. "At least yung team, nagpi-pick up na going into the Final Four. So hopefully mag-tuloy tuloy."
The Knights were quick to take control of the game, going on a 28-point second quarter eruption to grab a 20-point halftime lead, 50-30. The lead swelled to 24 in the second half.
Christian Balagasay had a career-best 18 points, five boards and two assists, while Ato Ular registered a double-double of 17 points and 16 rebounds for Letran.
Fran Yu had 14 points, six boards, four dimes and two steals for the Knights.
Edgar Charcos and Jielo Razon had 15 points apiece for the Altas.
Perpetual saw its two-game win streak snapped, falling to a 5-11 card.
The scores:
Letran 88 - Balanza 18, Balagasay 18, Ular 17, Yu 14, Batiller 6, Caralipio 6, Ambohot 3, Mina 3, Reyson 2, Muyang 1, Pambid 0, Guarino 0, Javillonar 0, Sangalang 0.
Perpetual 69 - Charcos 15, Razon 15, Peralta 13, Aurin 11, Adamos 10, Guissani 5, Barasi 0, Tamayo 0, Martel 0, Cuevas 0, Lanoy 0, Sevilla 0, Lucero 0.
Quarterscores: 22-16; 50-30; 68-53; 88-69.