Colegio de San Juan de Letran head coach Bonnie Tan was elated as the defending champions escaped rival San Beda University, 59-56, even as star player Rhenz Abando was held in check for much of the game.
Tan admitted that the Red Lions pulled off a surprise, especially on the defensive end, as they limited Abando from getting his shots. The high-flying forward finished scoreless in the first half.
"Na-check si Abando eh so we have to find ways sa mga next games namin kung paano makakalabas din si Rhenz sa offense," said Tan on Friday.
"Sinwerte naman sa second half, medyo nag-adjust naman nang kaunti, naka-score naman kahit papaano ng 10 points."
Abando battled the pesky defense of Justin Sanchez and Tony Ynot to still end up with 10 points, most of those during a 19-3 Letran run in the third quarter where he scored eight of those.
He also logged seven rebounds, two assists, one highlight-reel block as they swept the NCAA Season 97 elimination round at 9-0.
With Abando not showing his usual form, there was no shortage of Knights ready to step up.
Louie Sangalang tallied a team-high 12 points, as well as two rebounds and two blocks, while Jeo Ambohot collected seven points, 13 boards, three assists, and four blocks.
"It's all about the breaks of the game, medyo napunta lang sa side natin 'yung swerte. It's a tight game," added Tan.
"Ang daming nilabas ng Beda na hindi naman nila nilalabas sa eliminations. We were surprised, marami silang mas batang players sa amin pero maayos yung mga players nila."
—JMB, GMA News
