Monje shines as Knights edge Chiefs

Letran built enough cushion to survive a lethargic shooting in the fourth quarter, turning down Arellano, 67-58, in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

With their team captain Kurt Reyson and two other key cogs out of the season, the Knights turned to Monje who finished with 13 points, including back-to-back baskets that made it 64-45 early in the payoff period.

But the defending champions, who are already out of semis contention following a subpar performance throughout the season, went cold just as the Chiefs unloaded a 13-1 rally that cut the deficit to just seven, 65-58.

Luckily, Letran was too far to reach as it ended a seven-game losing skid for a 2-14 record.

The sophomore Monje, groomed to carry Letran’s mantle next season, added three rebounds, four assists and a steal to his total, while Jay Garupil chipped in nine points, eight rebounds and three assists.

Vince Cuajao and Ira Battalier provided ample support with eight points apiece for the Rensy Bajar-mentored squad which is looking for a decent finish with two games left in its eliminations campaign.

The Chiefs leaned on Joshua Abastillas and Lars Sunga who both had nine points.

Arellano fell to 2-13.

SCORES

Letran 67– Monje 13, Garupil 9, Cuajao 8, Batallier 8, Santos 7, Go 6, Jumao-as 6, Bojorcelo 5, Javillonar 5, Ariar 0

AU 58– Abastillas 9, Sunga 9, Mallari 7, Talampas 6, Capulong 5, Yanes 5, Tan 5, Villarente 4, Geronimo 4, Dayrit 2, Dela Cruz 2, Camay 0, Angolan 0, Rosalin 0

Quarterscores: 25-15; 40-32; 56-42; 67-58