MIT Cardinals vs CSJL Knights

Letran leaned on Kevin Alas’ clutch shooting as it turned back Mapua in a gripping 69-67 overtime victory to close in on a Final Four berth while keeping its hopes alive for one of the two twice-to-beat incentives at stake.

Alas poured in 11 of his game-high 20 points in regulation, including a crucial triple that sent the game into OT. The Knights hung tough with key stops in the extra period to seal their 10th win against two defeats, or half a game behind the idle San Beda Lions (10-1).

It was also an all-around game for Alas as he spiked his superb scoring effort with five boards, the same number of assists and steals and a block in helping Letran stretch its streak to six wins.

Alas’ five steals tied the season-high he himself registered in a 92-89 win over Lyceum last Aug. 5. He shares the honors with Mapua’s Allan Mangahas who had five steals in a 73-76 setback last July 13.

“He told me he’s happy he’s contributing in so many ways, not just in scoring. He’s making the extra pass more this year because the other players are scoring and he’s giving extra effort on defense,” said Letran coach Louie Alas of his player son, Kevin.

Alas was also quick to credit this win to their relentless defense for an entire 45 minutes.

“It’s not a joke playing full-court press for 45 minutes straight and our game plan was really to contain (Allan) Mangahas, (Yousef) Taha and (Josan) Nimes,” said Alas.

The Knights indeed found a way as Taha, a 6-7 Fil-Palestinian rookie, poured in 18 points but was shut down in OT, missing a lay-up that would have forced another extra time, while Nimes was limited to just 16 points after averaging 21.75 points in the Cardinals last four wins.

Mangahas was held to just eight points on a miserable 5-of-14 shooting from the field.

Mapua suffered its first loss since stringing together four straight wins. They are now 6-7, still good for solo fourth. – Joey Villar

The scores:

Letran 69 – K. Alas 20, Almazan 14, Cortes 10, Dysam 8, Belorio 4, Kr. Alas 4, Racal 3, Espiritu 3, Pantin 2, Cruz 1, Mendoza 0

Mapua 67 –  Taha 18, Nimes 16, Mangahas 8, Banal 7, Pascual 6, Stevens 4, Chien 3, Ighalo 3, Sarangay 2, Parala 0

Quarterscores: 10-7; 28-28; 47-43; 60-60 (OT); 69-67