Letran defeats FEU for the 1st time in Filoil cagefest

MANILA, Philippines – The Letran Knights are 2-0 in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup. But perhaps, more importantly, they defeated Far Eastern University for the first time in their 13-year participation of the tournament.

Letran broke from the match’s second deadlock at 63-all with a telling 6-0 run. Larry Muyang knocked down a jumper at the 4:03 mark, after which King Carapilio threw up a high-arching lay-up over the outstretched arms of FEU center Patrick Tchuente. Jeo Ambohot scored on a putback for a 69-63 lead that had FEU reeling.

By the time Wendell Comboy converted two free throws, there was only 1:49 left to play. Letran outscored FEU 6-5 the rest of the way to earn the victory.

“It’s all about our mindset,” explain first year Letran head coach Bonnie Tan. “In the D-League, we play with an import; dito wala. So dito, tayo tayo lang.”

The Knights’ bench received a scare when forward Jerrick Balanza appeared to get hurt while chasing a loose ball. Balanza, who is in his final year, was unable to complete the last NCAA season after a tumor was found in his brain. He returned after a successful brain surgery.

“Precaution na lang na hindi na rin namin binalik,” said Tan.

Balanza was later on the bench and walking under his own power.

“Hindi na namin isusugal,” added Tan. “This is the preseason anyway.”

“Akala ko mawawala pa ito sa amin,” wondered Letran’s Fr. Vic Calvo. “We never beat FEU, not even when we had Aldin Ayo as head coach. Before kahit ano gawin namin kahit kila Arwind Santos, hindi kami manalo. Akala ko pa makakahabol ang FEU.”

Tan smiled when he learned of Letran’s “feat.” 

“I will settle for a win in the NCAA,” he said. 

Larry Muyang led Letran with 12 points while Ato Ular added 10.

For the Tamaraws, who lost their tournament debut, Comboy, LJ Gonzales and Joseph Nunag each scored 16 points to pace their team.

Tchuente, who replaces Prince Orizu in the lineup, tallied four points, nine rebounds, and three blocks.