Knights off to flying start in NC

Letran College bucked the absence of versatile player Aaron Aban as it walloped host St. Benilde, 65-44, yesterday to jumpstart its title-retention bid in Season 82 of the NCAA basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.

Boyet Bautista, the other veteran mainstay left in the Letran lineup, carried much of the fight for the Knights as he came through with 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

"He was the team’s stabilizing force on the court," said Letran coach Louie Alas of his prized point guard.

Sophomores Rafael Jazul, Andro Quinday and Mark Balneg combined for 29 points in backing up Bautista in the absence of Aban who’s nursing an injured left wrist.

What was expected to be a tight match turned to a rout as the Knights dominated the Blazers with a full-court pressing defense and a searing attack presided over by Bautista.

"I was surprised with the result. I was expecting a close game because they (St. Benilde) did well in pre-season tournaments," said Alas.

With Jay Jay Sagad and Paolo Orbeta having played out their final season with the team, Blazers coach Caloy Garcia obviously had a hard time finding the right combination and the answer to Bautista.

Martin Urra Jr. was the only shining light for St. Benilde as the sophomore forward made 15 points, nine of which coming from the foul line.

In the second game, Mapua leaned on a big finishing kick as it shocked last year’s runner-up Philippine Christian U, 47-42.

The Cardinals outscored the Dolphins, 11-6, in the homestretch with Patrick Tiongco pumping in a three-pointer to trigger their lethal run from a 36-all standoff en route to victory.

The Dolphins surely missed Junel Baculi, who resigned as their head coach on the eve of the season opener.

Though Baculi cited health reasons for his resignation, talks revolved around a suspension reportedly slapped on him by the NCAA for his unsportsmanlike behavior in the recent RP Olympic Festival cagefest where PCU represented the collegiate league.

"It’s a sad story and a black eye not only for PCU but the entire league because he was the second coach to resign days before the season started," said Mapua coach Horacio Lim.

Earlier, Cris Calilan left his job at Jose Rizal. He was succeeded by Ariel Vanguardia.