Knights squeak past Blazers, keep flickering NCAA hopes alive

Letran coach Louie Alas isn’t thinking about this season’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament Final Four. Instead, the multi-titled coach is focusing more on his team’s future. “We’re the heartbreak kids of this tournament," said Alas. "Our last five or six games were decided by six points. If we’ve won two or three of those matches, maybe we're still in good contention." “Our chances of making it to the Final Four is not in our hands anymore," added Alas. "We’re like ducks thrown into a cockpit. To tell you honestly, we’re now thinking more of investing for the future." Alas’ statement came on the heels of his squad’s 72-69 triumph over College of St. Benilde at The Arena in San Juan Wednesday. Veteran center Jam Cortes made two key plays on both ends of the floor before the rest of the team prevented the Blazers from forcing an overtime. With the win, Letran improved its card to 6-8, 2 1/2 games behind idle Mapua for the No. 4 spot. The Cardinals tote an 8-5 slate. It was a redeeming win for the Muralla-based cagers, who was coming off a heartbreaking 58-59 loss to defending champion San Sebastian on Monday. With the game tied at 69-all, Cortes put the Knights up for good when he hit a three-point play off a drop pass by Kevin Alas. He muffed the bonus charity, but a jump ball was called after referees ruled a double-lane violation. The Blazers won the tap and Carlo Lastimosa drove down the lane. But Cortes was there to block the shot and Aloy Taplah recovered the ball and was fouled with 6.7 seconds left. Taplah split his charities to give Letran a 72-69 lead. St. Benilde rushed on the other end, but Luis Sinco missed a three-point shot as time expired. Alas had 19 points, eight rebounds and seven assists while Jaypee Belencion, who drilled in a triple to give Letran a 67-64 lead with 1:13 left, added 12 points on a steady 4-of-8 shooting from rainbow country. Lastimosa led St. Benilde with 21 points while Sinco and McCoy had 11 points apiece. - RCJ, GMANews.TV