Rey Nambatac defended Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights’ homecourt, the first time in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament, after providing relentless shooting and defense against the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 92-78, Thursday at the Letran Gym in Intramuros.
Team captain Nambatac exploded with a season-high double-double record, 31 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and five assists.
“Given naman yan,” said Letran Coach Jeff Napa on Nambatac’s performance. “Kailangan lang may sumuporta sa kanya and good thing may mga nagse-step up din.”
Nambatac fired up the squad as the game tied at 66-all to start the final frame along with Bong Quinto after firing a fade away basket to extend an 11-0 run followed by Nambatac’s trey.
Nambatac made his shots straight to cap off the match for their second straight victory, pushing the team up to a 3-3 win-loss record in the team standings.
Quinto had 14 points and seven rebounds, while Daryl Pascual finished with 12 points. Jeo Ambohot added a double-double with 11 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks.
On the other hand, the Blazers started out strong against the Knights and even took a 29-20 lead in the second quarter as JJ Domingo fired five straight points, but Kendrix Belgica’s left shoulder injury left St. Benilde bleeding and distracted their momentum in the game, 4:43 left in the game.
Unique Naboa led the Blazers with 17 points, while Clement Leutcheu finished with 12 points and eight rebounds.
St. Benilde suffered their fourth loss in the season in five outings.
Letran Knights will face Perpetual Altas on Friday, August 11, while St. Benilde Blazers will take on Mapua Cardinals on Tuesday.
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