The triple-double watch on Bong Quinto continues as powerhouse Letran clashes with an unpredictable Arellano University in the 94th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Quinto dropped a pair of triple-double efforts in wins over Mapua and Emilio Aguinaldo late in the first round of elimination and averaged 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10.5 assists during that four-day span that powered the Knights to share of third spot with the St. Benilde Blazers.
By accomplishing such feat, Quinto joined an elite group of players in pro stars Calvin Abueva and Scottie Thompson as the only players to pull off back-to-back triple-doubles in the league.
And there is little indication Quinto is slowing down.
“I hope he keeps playing like that in our every game,” said Letran coach Jeff Napa of pro-bound Quinto.
Letran waylaid AU, 88-70, the first time they met this season on Aug. 7 and thanks to Quinto and the former’s massive frontcourt of Larry Muyang, Christian Fajarito and Jeo Ambohot, the Knights are fancied to win again over the Chiefs.
Napa, however, warned his team against complacency.
“Arellano U has strong and quick guards, we can’t underestimate them,” said Napa.
CSB, for its part, will try to keep in step with Letran as it tackles an Edgar Charcos-less Perpetual Help side at 2 p.m.
The Blazers trounced the Altas, 84-77, on Aug. 24, but the latter was without Charcos, who is resting a hurting knee.
Charcos remains a doubtful starter yet again as sources from Perpetual Help reveal the rookie transferee out of University of the East could sit one more game before returning to action.