Knights’ streak ends against Altas

THE UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help Altas put a stop to the Letran Knights’ unbeaten start as they routed the latter, 80-66, in the 89th NCAA men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Arena in San Juan City.

What was expected to be a close game was turned into a yawner early on as the Altas pounced on the Knights’ sluggish play and raced off to a 31-9 lead in the first period that set the tone for the overwhelming win.

The Altas improved to 6-2 (win-loss) while Letran dropped to 7-1.

Super rookie and Lanao del Norte-native Juneric Baloria scored 28 points to lead the Altas. Nosa Omorogbe also did a lot of damage, scoring 25 points while Justine Alano had 12.

BOX SCORES:

Perpetual (80) — Baloria 28, Omorogbe 25, Alano 12, Elopre 5, Bantayan 4, Dizon 3, Jolangcob 3, Oliveria 0, Thompson 0, Arboleda 0, Paulino 0, Bitoy 0.

Letran (66) — Almazan 15, Racal 10, Ruaya 9, Tambeling 7, Castro 6, Cruz 6, Nambatac 5, Gabawan 3, Luib 2, Buenaflor 2, Belorio 1./Correspondent Jonas Panerio