Rafael “RJ” Jazul charged the Letran Knights to their first victory with a game-high 23 points in the second game of the opening of the National Collegiate Athletic Assocition 83rd season as they conquered the Mapua Cardinals, 84-80, in the so-called “Battle of Intramuros.”

In spite of being a young team, they are already making an impression this season when they controlled the game and pulled a lead as high as 12 points.
The Knights are now in the first year of their three-year rebuilding process after losing their core players to the pro-league.

Coach Louie Alas said that he allows the team to explore and learn from experience. He wants his players to be mentally tougher and maintain composure throughout every game.

He also mentioned that he would incorporate some modifications on his player rotations due to some errors he had observed in the end game.

SCORES

Letran 84 - Jazul 23, Daa 15, Gutilban 10, Quinday 7, Cabonse 6, Dangcal 5, Faundo 4, Guevarra 3, Ranises 3, Del Rosario 3, Melegrito 3, Reposar 2
Mapua 80 - Pascual 15, Dela Peña 13, Acosta 13, Del Rosario 12, Co 11, Banal 10, Guillermo 6, Palomique 0, Mazo 0
Quartercores: 22-14, 34-30, 64-59, 84-80

NCAA UPDATES

• (June 29) The Letran Seniors Squad out passed the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 92-81.
• (July 2) Squires stunned back-to-back champions San Sebastian Staglets, 75-74, after a frustrating lost against College of Saint Benilde-La Salle Greenhills on opening day game, 81-64.