Letran impresses under Napa anew, scores in Fr. Martin Cup

MANILA, Philippines – Reigning collegiate champion Letran gave its new coach another rousing win while the Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws stayed unbeaten Tuesday in the 22nd Fr. Martin Cup Summer Basketball Tournament at the Arellano University gym in Legarda, Manila.

The Letran-A Knights, now coached by Jeff Napa, smothered the San Sebastian Stags, 90-78, to move ahead in the solo lead of Group B in the senior division.

Rey Nambatac fired 20 points, John Paul Calvo 14 and Jerick Balanza made 12 for the Knights, who stormed to their third straight triumph under Napa.

The Knights, who had earlier beaten Jose Rizal University-A, 80-64, and Emilio Aguinaldo College, 89-69, are now in the solo lead of Group B.

In the junior action, the Baby Tams drew 25 points from LJ Gonzales in swamping La Salle-Greenhills-A, 86-66. LSGH, now behind FEU at 3-1, earlier won over San Beda-B, 78-69.

The Baby Tams also posted win no. 3, and they are in front of Group A.

In other games, the Mapua Cardinals, with Josh Layug making 15, turned back Letran-B, 87-83, for their opening game in Group A.

The San Beda Red Lions (3-1) are behind Letran-A after they won over Centro Escolar University-B, 61-53, with Eugene Toba leading with 16 points.

JRU-A shares the same record with the Red Lions after they repulsed the Stags, 87-84, the other day, and with Abdel Potouochi and Jordan de la Paz hitting 18 points each.

JRU-B, with Tey Teodoro scoring 30 points, held off CEU-A, 72-66, to improve at 1-2.

In other junior matches, JRU put away Sta. Maria of Pampanga, 108-59, while LSGH-B prevailed over San Beda-Alabang, 67-62.