The Letran Knights defeated the Green Archers 72-83 today in their Sweet 16 match-up at the Ynares Sports Arena. With the loss, La Salle has been knocked out of this nationwide collegiate tournament. The Archers won the title last year.
Sans Kish, James and Bader, the Archers were blown out early in the game. The team caught fire in the 2nd period and managed to trim the lead a point going into halftime. Letran jumped off to a hot start to in the 3rd canto as the Archers just could not hit their shots.
The team mounted a rally midway in the final period with Arvie Bringas leading the charge. Unfortunately, Arvie sustained an eye cut and was pulled out. The Archers could not get closer from thereon as the Knights’ aggressiveness and outside snipping were just too much for them to stage any comeback.
Despite the absence of national players RJ Jazul and Rey Guevarra, a certain Jaypee Belencion showed up with his guns ablaze all throughout the game. Ten treys and 36 points; what did this guy had for lunch?
The Archers on the other hand struggled with their shots especially from the free throw line all game. Their foul shooting woes have been a common theme for this team all year and we only hope this could be solved next season.
This basically ends the 2009 campaign for our men’s basketball team and Coach Franz’s tenure as head coach. We thank Coach Franz as well as the entire team and we look forward to a more fruitful season next year.
The Scores:
Letran 83 – Belencion 36, Gutilban 15, Kevin Alas 12, Cortez 10, Taplah 3, Foronda 3, Malabago 2, Ang 2, Pantin 0, Kris Alas 0.
DLSU 72 – Webb 18, Bringas 13, Bagatsing 12, Atkins 8, Ferdinand 5, Andrada 4, Banal 3, Tolentino 3, Mendoza 2, Villanueva 2, Barua 2, Manguera 0, Marata 0.
Quarters: 21-9, 36-35, 64-52, 83-72.