Knights hold off Abueva-led Stags

MANILA, Philippines - Kevin Alas put in a remarkable performance in his first game back from his personal US training, providing Letran the spunk, grit and firepower as the Knights repulsed the San Sebastian Stags, 80-74, in the opener of the 2012 NCAA men’s basketball competition at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Alas sizzled with 31 points, fuelling decisive runs by the Knights in the second and fourth quarters that carried the team to a triumphant debut in the new NCAA season that could be very, very competitive.

With his skills enhanced by his training with the LA Jams last summer, the 20-year-old senior guard banged away three triples, eight twinners and six charities to surpass his previous high of 29 points made last year.

“His US training definitely helped. It improved his skills and boosted his confidence,” said his father/coach Louie Alas.

“We’re so happy getting our first win at the expense of San Sebastian. As they say, revenge is sweet,” said the younger Alas.

Jonathan Belorio and Mark Cruz added double-digit outputs and the rest of the team helped throw solid defense as they got back at the Stags.

The two teams figured in the Final Four showdown last year with San Sebastian preserving its twice-to-beat advantage to advance to the finals against eventual champion San Beda.

The Letran coach said it helped them a lot that they sent Ronald Pascual to foul-trouble situation early. The SSC power forward fouled out just at the onset of the final half.

“They could’ve done a lot better with Pascual in the game. It could have been a lot harder,” said Alas.

Members of the host Letran cheer dance squad perform a number in the opener of the 88th NCAA basketball competitions at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. JOEY MENDOZA

Ian Sangalang and Calvin Abueva carried the fight for the Stags with huge double-double numbers. The 6-foot-6 Sangalang piled up 24 points and 14 rebounds while the 6-foot-2 Abueva logged in 18 markers and 17 boards.

The Stags dominated the boards, 60-43, but the Knights employed a tough defense to make up for their deficiency in rebounding.

Letran cashed in on key defensive stops as it unleashed crucial runs in the second and fourth periods anchored by Alas.

Blowing away a 39-29 halftime lead and falling behind 50-53 at the end of the third, the Knights worked on an 18-6 run in the payoff period to regain control at 68-59.

Meanwhile, a rookie-laden Arellano U tries to pounce on an undermanned San Beda side as they clash today in the lone seniors match in the league’s second playdate at 2 p.m. at The Arena in San Juan.

Three juniors matches are also on tap with San Beda and Arellano squaring up at 12 noon, San Sebastian and Letran mixing it up at 4 p.m. and Mapua and Jose Rizal facing each other at 6 p.m.