Knights trounce Chiefs for Eighth victory

DENIED of a spot in the Final Four last year, Letran appears on its way to making it this time following a 73-59 demolition of Arellano University yesterday in the 87th National Collegiate Athletic Association baskeball tournament at the Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Knights notched their fourth win in a row and eighth against two losses to stay a solid third placer behind the San Sebastian Stags (10-0) and the San Beda Red Lions (9-1).

The Chiefs, meanwhile, fell from a three-way logjam to join Emilio Aguinaldo College at 6th place.

Kevin Alas bucked a bout with fever and sizzled with a game-high 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists for the Knights, while Jam Cortes had 16 and nine boards.

Letran wastged no time in no time in inflicting their A-game to the hapless Chiefs, using its stingy defense and explosive offense to zoom to a 35-21 spread with under a minute left in the first half before settling for an 11-point lead at the break, 37-26.

Letran’s crisp attack resumed in the second half wherein they stayed on top with double-digit spread for the rest of the contest.

‘’We thought Kevin (Alas) was not going to play so we prepared for the game without him. We just knew before the game that he (Kevin) will play. We focused on giving the ball to Jam (Cortes). He’s very consistent with his effort day in and day out,’’ said Letran coach Louie Alas.

‘’Every game counts for us. We’re trying to keep ourselves within striking distance of San Sebastian and San Beda.’’