Out-of-the running squads Letran College and Lyceum of the Philippines University played the spoiler’s role against title contenders in Wednesday’s National Collegiate Athletic Association of the Philippines (NCAA) Season 90 seniors basketball at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Knights bowed out of contention in style, denying De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s entry into the Final Four, 64-57, in the first game. On the other hand, the Pirates frustrated Arellano University’s shot at number one, 101-96.
As a result of their respective wins, Jose Rizal University and University of Perpetual Help will square off for the number three seed at 2:00 p.m., while Arellano University and San Beda College will duel again for possession of the number one seed at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, also at The Arena in San Juan City.
Last season’s losing finalist Letran may have scored only two field goals in the crucial fourth period stretch, but they held on thanks to precious made free throws in the end game to shut the entries to the playoff round.
Graduating duo Ford Ruaya and Jamil Gabawan tallied 14 and 13 points, respectively, to lead the Knights to victory in their final game.
Letran Head Coach Caloy Garcia, who once steered Benilde from 2005 to 2007, said that it was bittersweet to deny his former team a chance for a spot in the playoffs this season.
“Before the game, I told the players it’s how we end the season that counts. We have two players graduating in Ruaya and Gabawan. We practiced that we should go big so that Ford and Jamil can play extended minutes, which is our first intention,” said Garcia.
“It’s better to finish the season with a win, especially we were playing against a team that needed to win. That’s where our character would come out. I just reminded them that we can’t just enjoy the game and just lose. It’s better to enjoy the game, play hard, and if you lose it’s really there,” he added.
Benilde Head Coach Gabby Velasco, on the other hand, said that their lackluster start dictated their play throughout the rest of the match and resulted in their lost chance at a spot in the playoffs.
“It’s a very sad experience. We could have won this, but unfortunately we weren’t able to surpass Letran. Unfortunately, my players were so complacent. Probably they were already thinking ahead in playing that knockout game against Perpetual Help. It was a big mistake for my team,” said Velasco.
Leading their cause was Mark Romero with 20 points, followed by Paolo Taha’s 12 markers, 13 boards, and two blocked shots.
This was Benilde’s best chance to return to the Final Four for the first time since 2002, as six veterans played their final game with the school, namely Anton Altamirano, RJ Argamino, Robert Bartolo, Luis Sinco, Taha, and Romero.
Joseph Gabayni led LPU’s cause over the Chiefs, scoring 22 points and 17 rebounds, followed by Dexter Zamora’s 17 and Jeremiah Taladua’s 16.
