Knights outduel rugged Pirates for No. 7

MANILA, Philippines - Letran kept its cool while the going got tough in the fourth quarter and beat Lyceum, 83-78, in a highly physical game marked by season high 54 fouls to stay unbeaten in the 91st NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

A week after scoring 24 points in a 77-68 win over Arellano University, skipper Kevin Racal came through anew by unloading 19 points as the Knights rolled to their seventh win in a row to stay on top of the team standings.

The Knights thus tied their best start in years two seasons ago.

In the end  it was the Knights’ composure that helped seal it.

“It was the most uncomfortable game for us, Lyceum made it so,” said Letran coach Aldin Ayo.

It didn’t help that the game was transformed into a free throw shooting game as the two teams combined for 54 fouls, including eight technical and flagrant fouls that resulted in a season-high 67 foul shots.

Letran went on to make 21 of 34 charities while Lyceum could only can 20 of 33.

Earlier, College of St. Benilde leaned on Jonathan Grey and Pons Saavedra as it outgunned San Sebastian, 88-66, yesterday to breathe life to its campaign.

Grey and Saavedra took turns in delivering the blows with the former firing 20 of his 29 points in the first half and the latter all his 20 points in the second to carry the Blazers to their second win against five defeats.

“We came into this game motivated because we’re thinking it’s not yet too late,” said St. Benilde coach Gabby Velasco.

Velasco may have found unsung heroes in his young pointguards as Gerard Castor and Sergio Domingo made a good account of themselves stepping up for a hurting Travis Jonson, who has an injured foot.

“Travis is playing hurt. His foot will be operated on. I’m just glad my young guards are doing solidly,” said Velasco.

The Stags actually started out strong with an 8-0 blitz but the Blazers came roaring back with their hustling game anchored on the prolific Grey, who waxed hot early with 20 first half points.

With Grey’s shooting clicking, St. Benilde turned a slim 20-15 first quarter lead to a 43-30 advantage at the break.

And then Saavedra took charge as he torched the Stags with 20 second half points, 18 of which came behind the arc.

In juniors action, Lyceum turned back Letran, 76-73, while La Salle-Greenhills routed San Sebastian, 69-48, to improve to 4-3 records.

Ricci Rivero, a FIBA World 3x3 veteran, came through with an all-around effort of 23 points, 12 rebounds, four steals, four blocks and three assists while John Mallilllin had 17 points and 15 caroms for the Junior Blazers.

Generoso Cecilio paced the Junior Pirates with 19 points while Makki Santos, Chester Jungco and McLaude Guadana chipped 17, 12 and 12, respectively.