Cruz Knight in shining armor

MANILA, Philippines - Mark Cruz continues to be on target and Letran remains unbeaten halfway through the first round of the NCAA men’s basketball elims.

Cruz drilled in 29 points, highlighted by six triples, and came through with a season-high seven steals to lead the Knights to a come-from-behind 82-76 win over San Sebastian last Tuesday.

The Letran point guard took charge again last Thursday, scoring 15 points, including a 3-of-5 from behind-the-arc and crucial baskets en route to a 77-71 victory over Perpetual Help in a duel of unbeaten teams.

Cruz’s heroics the past two games netted him the Accel Quantum and 3XVI NCAA Press Corps Player of the Week honors for the Letran court general while helping keep the team on top of the heap with a 5-0 mark.

Cruz has actually been a spark for the Knights this season, averaging a team-best 17.6 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.0 steals after five games. He has also hit 19 triples in a Season 91 that also saw Letran beat five-time defending champion San Beda.

The veteran point guard, however, refused to downplay his string of solid performances and Letran’s hot start, saying it’s still a long way to go for the Muralla-based squad.

“For me, all the teams this year are strong. That’s why we have to be ready and never underestimate our opponents,”