MANILA, Philippines — Letran went to other sources in the absence of top gun Jerrick Balanza as it turned back National University, 76-69, yesterday to zoom to the top of Group B in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup 2019 at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
King Caralipio scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds while Renato Ular had 10 points and six caroms to help fill the vacuum left by Balanza, who was out due to a leg injury sustained in a 75-70 win over the Far Eastern U Tams Friday.
Caralipio and Ular also made key plays at endgame to lift the Muralla-based school to its third straight win.
Larry Muyang and Jeo Ambohot provided muscles at the paint, combining for 13 points, 16 boards and three blocks.
“The boys responded to the challenge without Jerrick, and I’m happy they did,” said Letran coach Boni Tan. “We will need everyone to contribute on a consistent basis if we want to do well in this tournament.”
Issa Gaye had 14 points while brothers Sean and Dave Ildefonso, son of former PBA star Danny, combined for 22 points in NU’s first setback.
In Group A, University of the Philippines rode high on Ricci Rivero’s 28-point game to trounce La Salle, 92-85.
In junior’s action earlier, Ateneo edged Adamson, 74-71, in its first outing minus UAAP high school MVP Kai Sotto.Forthsky Padrigao paced the Eaglets with 18 points including his team’s last five.