With three players out, particularly stars RJ Jazul and Rey Guevarra, it was backup guard Jaypee Belencion who took the spotlight for the Letran Knights.

Belencion played perhaps the game of his life firing 10 three-point shots for 36 points as the Knights oust defending champion La Salle, 83-72, to reach the quarterfinals of the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Not only was Jazul out, who is now with the Smart Gilas national team, but also Rey Guevarra and point guard Kirk del Rosario because of injuries. But that didn't stop Belencion playing the starring role.

He was mainly responsible for dousing cold water on a Green Archer comeback when he buried two of the team's three straight triples that made a slim five-point lead into a commanding 80-66 advantage to seal the victory.

Belencion's exploits were a far cry from his average in the recent NCAA season, tallying just 5.6 points on a 35-percent shooting in 17 games played.

The victory enabled the squad of coach Louie Alas to advance into the Elite Eight against the winner of the other pairing pitting NCAA champion San Sebastian and CESAFI's University of San Carlos.

Last year, Letran made it all the way to the Final Four but bowed to Ateneo, 61-60.

Reymar Gutilban and rookie Kevin Alas backstopped Belencion's heroics with 15 and 12 points, respectively.

The Muralla-based dribblers also put an end to the coaching career of La Salle coach Franz Pumaren after 11 seasons at the helm.

Pumaren, who guided the Archers to five UAAP title and a national crown last year, announced last month that he will step down after the tournament as he intends to run for congressman in the third district of Quezon City.

His younger brother, Dindo, is set to take the team starting next year.

The Taft-based squad, who ruled the Naga City zonal tournament with three lopsided victories, was on the verge of extending Pumaren's tenure when rookie forward Arvie Bringas scored four in a 9-0 run to trail by just 71-66 with 5:23 remaining.

Joshua Webb topscored for La Salle with 18 points while Bringas added 13 markers in a losing cause.

Letran's win came before UAAP titlist Ateneo repulsed Interscholastic Athletic Association winner Lyceum, 73-63, to arrange a showdown with either Jose Rizal University or University of Santo Tomas.