Defending champion Letran downed University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 68-57, to remain unbeaten in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament Sunday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
Rhenz Abando played his best game so far in a Knights’ uniform, as the high-leaping swingman drilled in a NCAA career-high 24 points, to go with five rebounds, four assists and three steals.
“Focused lang kami sa game,” Abando said in a post-game interview over GTV. “Lagi sinasabi ni coach na ituring natin na championship every game, kasi hindi talaga kami makakabawi ‘pag natalo kami.”
Letran is bracing for a tough two-game stretch, as it faces Intramuros neighbor Mapua on Friday before taking on long-time rival San Beda in a rematch of the 2019 Finals on April 12.
Mark Sangalang and Allen Mina each had 10 points, while big men Christian Fajarito and Jeo Ambohot grabbed 11 rebounds apiece for the Knights.
Abando scattered 10 points in Letran’s 26-point third quarter to erect a 54-36 advantage and never looked back.
The Altas fell to 1-2, as second year guard, as Jielo Razon had a frustrating afternoon.
After dropping 22 points in last Friday’s 58-63 loss to San Sebastian, Razon went scoreless, missing all five attempts from the field.
Jeff Egan paced Perpetual with 15 points, while Kim Aurin contributed 12 points and six rebounds.