(Neil Tolentino (10) of the Letran Squires prepares to go for a rebound following an attempt by Perpetual Help’s Kim Siege).
(Notes: The Letran Squires are not known as a team with dominant players. Over the last two years, they have players who provide leadership in some games, and in some other games. In season 93, it was Enoch Valdez’s time to shine for the Squires. And in season 94, only one player stands out for the Squires early in the tournament, and that’s little known Shawn Umali when it comes to rebounds, now that Valdez is now playing for the Lyceum Pirates in the senior division).
11 Aug. 2017
8:30 p.m.
Friday,
FilOil-Flying V Arena,
San Juan
The Letran Squires’ top player Enoch Valdez stayed in the sidelines when they took on and waylaid the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas, 78-68.
Three teammates, mostly second unit players, took charge for the Squires as they eked out their third win in seven in games in the first round of the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association junior basketball wars.
Kurt Reyson, Laksman Ganapathy, Russell Aniban, Louis Montes were providing key plays in the last minute of the first quarter, and in the start of the second period.
(Letran Squires cager Russelle Aniban goes for a basket while Junior Altas cager John Umali(7)).
Reyson started the Squires’ breakaway with a triple, before Ganapathy, a Singaporean transferee, came up with two blocks, came up a layup and an assist to Aniban.
The Squires were slightly ahead, 13-12, and when the three were finished, Letran took a six-point edge, 20-12, in the last 52 seconds.
Ganapathy came through with another rebound, and set up Aniban for a basket in the start of the second period.
Kurt Reyson (8) of the Letran Squires dribbles in front three Junior Altas defenders.
Montes then struck twice in the last 6:04, and the Squires pulled away, 29-14.
Coach Raymund Valenzona, speaking on the Squires’ third win in seven games, said the performance of team speaks well of the Squires.
“Maganda ito. Kasi, paakyat ang standings namin. Kahit 2-4, nadagdagan. Ngayon, 3-4 na,” said Valenzona.
As Russelle Aniban (5) makes an attempt past Junior Altas player Errol Bongay, Kobe Monje (16) prepares to assist.
After their seventh game in first round of season, Neil Tolentino led scoring with 12 points, and averages 11.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in the 28.1 minutes that he is on the floor.
Valdez leads the Knights with 11.3 points and 10. rebounds, to go with his 21.9 minutes of playing time.
Keifer Cordero is the Knights’ third most productive with 18.3 minutes, 8.1 points and 4.8 rebounds.
Keith Peralta (5) of the Letran Squires makes a drive with Errol Bingay in front of him.
He is followed by two other starters Kobe Monje and Neil Guarino.
Pektus Corner 