NCAA: Letran drops to 0-7 while San Sebastian, Benilde triumph

MANILA, Philippines—Letran remained winless in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament after succumbing to Perpetual Help, 74-59, at San Juan Arena on Sunday. The Knights registered the worst start of a defending champion in the Final Four era with a 0-7 record. Art Roque led the Altas to a 3-4 record with a game-high double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds. Jielo Razon and Christian Pagaran, meanwhile, chipped in 12 markers, each, in the victory. Deo Cuajao top-scored for the Knights with 15 markers. Kurt Reyson and Kobe Monje tallied 12 and 10 points, respectively, but to no avail. BENILDE OUTLASTS ARELLANO Letran’s Season 98 Finals rival College of St. Benilde, on the other hand, hiked its win streak to three after dealing Arellano a 72-66 defeat. Migs Oczon waxed hot from the field with 16 points built on four buckets from beyond the arc. Prince Carlos had an all-around game of 15 points, seven assists and five rebounds to power the Blazers to a 4-3 card. Troy Valencia’s 19-point performance was put to waste as the Chiefs slid to 1-6.  SAN SEBASTIAN SNAPS EAC’S STREAK Earlier, San Sebastian routed Emilio Aguinaldo College, 86-70, to rise to a 3-4 record and break the Generals’ two-game win streak. Raymart Escobido ended the game with 23 points. Jessie Sumoda, meanwhile, also notched a double-double of 14 markers and 10 boards. The Generals dropped to 4-3 but not without King Gurtiza’s 20-marker outing. JP Maguliano also had a monster double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds but to no avail.