Knights smother depleted Generals

MANILA, Philippines - Letran rediscovered its offensive rhythm as it torched undermanned Emilio Aguinaldo from beyond the arc, 88-65, yesterday in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Jaypee Belencion brandished his old shooting touch as he drained six of the Knights’ season-high 11 triples in nailing their third win against five losses, which is good for a share of sixth spot with the Arellano U Chiefs.

“Finally, he made the shots that he missed in our past few games,” Letran coach Louie Alas said of Belencion.

The Generals played without starting guard Argel Mendoza, who sat on the bench with an ailing knee, while Franz Chiong (sore right leg) and Russell Yaya (sprained left ankle) went out on injuries that hastened their downfall.

EAC slid to 2-6.

In the other game, Carlo Lastimosa, nephew of former PBA star Jojo Lastimosa, poured in 21 points as he powered St. Benilde to a 79-70 victory over Perpetual Help to end its first round with a 2-6 slate.

Perpetual Help’s Arnold Danganan led all scorers with 22 points but he was ejected late in the game for two quick flagrant fouls against CSB’s Mark de Guzman as the Altas fell to their eight straight setback.

In juniors’ action, Perpetual Help outlasted CSB in the fourth quarter, 62-54, to seize solo second place with a 6-2 card, or half a game behind defending champion San Beda (6-1).

Letran, for its part, drew strength from the 22-point explosion of Mark Cruz as it overpowered EAC, 72-59, to notch its fifth straight win for solo fourth with a 5-3 record.

RP youth standout Joshua Alolino paced the Altalettes with 20 points while Antonio Inigo scattered 11.

Meanwhile, the Management Committee chaired by Frank Gusi of host San Sebastian announced it would sell separate tickets for tomorrow’s games featuring defending champion San Sebastian and last year’s runner-up San Beda and Jose Rizal against Mapua.