NCAA: Letran extends losing skid to three

LETRAN continues to struggle to get another win after suffering a fourth quarter meltdown to lose Monday's game against College of St. Benilde, 77-60, in the 88th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Preying on the absence of Letran bigmen Jam Cortes and Raymond Almazan, the Blazers turned a close first three quarters into a lopsided encounter in the final period.

Joel Tolentino, who sat out last year after transferring from sister school De La Salle University, came up with 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists while Mark Romero contributed 13 markers.

"This is an important game for us. At least our head now is above water. We’ll try to win as many games as possible," said coach Richard del Rosario, whose squad improved its record to 2-2.

Letran's lone win came at the expense of perennial contender San Sebastian on June 23 but it was a downhill trip from there, shockingly losing to Perpetual and Arellano in succession.

Kevin Racal had a game-high 18 points and eight rebounds to lead the Knights in a losing cause. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)