MANILA, Philippines – Kevin Alas exploded with 30 points as Letran waylaid a listless Lyceum side, 76-60, to stay in the hunt for the last semifinal berth in the 88th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.
Alas keyed Letran’s early surge by pouring in 10 points in the first quarter as the Knights dominated their Muralla-based neighbors from start to finish to win pulling away.
It was the Knights’ seventh win against six losses, moving just a game and a half behind joint third running Perpetual Help and Jose Rizal (8-4).
In the nightcap, Arellano U leaned on John Pinto’s game-winning jumper as it edged Mapua, 59-57, to tie the Cardinals at sixth at 5-8.
“I told him I’ll keep him in the game if he will not commit errors that much,” said Letran coach Louie Alas. “He still had four turnovers but in 39 minutes, I think it’s minimal,” he added.
While Alas provided the firepower, Raymond Almazan supplied the muscle in the paint as he came through with a season-high 15 points he spiked with nine rebounds and three blocks.
It was Almazan’s third win in four games since he returned to the Letran fold after a two-month absence.
Despite his 30-point splurge, Alas came a point shy from tying his season-high 31 in the Knights’ 80-74 win over the San Sebastian Stags in the season opener last June 23.