Knights survive Scorpions in Fr. Martin cagefest

MANILA, Philippines – Christian de la Pena struck in the last nine seconds, sending Letran-A to a 70-68 triumph over the Centro Escolar University-B Scorpions Sunday in the 22nd Fr. Martin Cup Summer Basketball Tournament at the St. Placid gymnasium of the San Beda College-Manila campus in Mendiola.

This is the reigning NCAA champions’ fifth straight win in Group B of the men’s division.

The six-foot-four de la Pena scored 14 points to lead the Knights, who are now a win away from sweeping their bracket and booking a quarterfinals slot.

Rey Nambatac contributed 11 points for the Knights while Kier Quinto and JP Calvo hit 10 markers apiece.

In other games, the CEU-A Scorpions drew 18 points from Memet Ascano in their 78-73 victory over Letran-B.

It was CEU-A’s second win in five matches in Group A.

Daphne Esplana and Antonia Wong made 17 and 16 points, respectively, as the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons drubbed the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers, 74-59, for their second straight triumph.

In juniors action, the Adamson Baby Falcons got 13 points from Jason Celis and won over San Beda-Alabang, 95-51, to move ahead in Group B with their 4-1 card.

Jelo Razon and Erol Bongay shot 21 and 13 points, respectively, for the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas, who warded off Hope in Hoops, 63-56, and improved to a 3-1 slate in Group B.

Chiang Kai Shek College prevailed over PACE, 104-31, to notch its third win in Group A.