Letran, Arellano post opening-day wins in Fr. Martin Cup

MANILA, Philippines – The Letran Knights and the Arellano University Chiefs got off to a good start Sunday in the opening games of the 9th Fr. Martin Cup Open Division basketball tournament.

Kevin Racal buried 22 points while McJour Luib fired 11 for the Knights, who fended off Centro Escolar University, 65-57, at the Trinity University of Asia gymnasium.

The Chiefs, who led by 14 at halftime, weathered a late comeback to repulse the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 69-63.

Justino Pinat and Monch Gavierres jointly called the shots for the Knights, who got eight points from Racal as they moved ahead, 18-11, at the end of the first period.

Giovanni Jalalon 19 points for the Chiefs, and this included a pivotal three-pointer in the last 46 seconds.

Tournament director Robert de la Rosa said that with Ateneo and Far Eastern University backing out at the last minute, they have welcomed the entry of Lyceum Philippines University and the College of St. Benilde-B squad.

Francis Munsayac shot 17 points for the Generals, including 12 in the final period as they kept matters close, 61-64.

Jalalon’s triple in the last 46 seconds allowed the Chiefs to move away, 67-61.