Knights lean on big men's double-double, rip Generals

MANILA, Philippines - Letran coach Louie Alas has long been egging his big men to show up and prove that like their backcourt, they can lead the Knights to victory.

Yesterday, Alas got the response he wanted as frontliners Jam Cortes and Raymond Almazan put up double-double efforts in anchoring the Knights to a 76-67 triumph over Emilio Aguinaldo College in the 87th NCAA seniors caging at the Arena.

“It was our big men who won this game, “ said the Letran mentor, whose squad racked up its second straight win for 6-2 overall, two games behind unbeaten co-leaders San Beda and San Sebastian (8-0).

Arellano University snapped a harrowing five-game losing streak with a 64-60 win over College of St. Benilde in the second game.

“Finally, our big men dominated. We’re always challenging them to start dominating because the big men of the other teams are outplaying them, especially San Sebastian and San Beda,” said Alas.

The 6-4 Cortes banged in 18 points and a season-high 20 rebounds plus two assists while 6-6 center Almazan complemented him with 15 markers, 14 boards and a career-best six blocks in the physical game that saw Kevin Racal (hip) Mark Cruz (elbow) suffer injuries.

Forward Jonathan Belorio joined in the fray, adding 10 points to go with four rebounds for the Knights, who outclassed the Generals off the boards, 64-35, grabbing 30 off the offensive glass.

Fil-Am rookie Joshua Torralba topscored for EAC (3-5) with 18 points and three assists backstopped by Elyzer Paguia with 16 markers highlighted by four triples and three blocks.

Andrian Celada shot 15 points, issued four assists and had three steals as the AU Chiefs improved to 2-6 while dealing the Blazers their fifth loss in eight outings.

“Before the game, I stressed the need to win again because it seems we’re already forgetting the taste of victory,” said AU coach Leo Isaac, whose wards raced off to a 14-0 start.

“Our game plan was focused on totally eliminating Lastimosa because he’s the one carrying CSB,” added Isaac, referring to CSB ace Carlo Lastimosa who was held down to four points by the AU defense.