Saints and Lattes Letran continued to stir up the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference with its giant-slaying ways, upending Perpetual-Kinto Tyres, 26-24, 25-22, 24-26. 25-19, to join fancied Cignal in the early lead in the semifinal round at the Paco Arena in Manila Wednesday night.
Bem-Bem Bautista put up another stellar performance following a 14-hit outburst against the Cabuyao Cabstars at the close of the elims last Sunday, dropping 24 points on 21 attacks and three blocks to help the Saints Spikers stun the reigning NCAA champions.
“Big win ito para sa mga bata kasi alam na champion sa NCAA yung kalaban. So, talagang nakita ko yung willingness nila nung pumasok kami sa quarterfinals,” said Letran head coach Brian Esquibel.
A couple of errors stymied the Altas’ comeback bid late in the fourth set as John Enarciso committed a double contact violation while Kirth Rosos hit the antenna, enabling Letran to pull away.
Rosos redeemed himself with a quick hit in the next Perpetual offensive while Letran’s Wayne Arano fouled up in a set play as Perpetual pulled to within, 20-23. But Bautista delivered the blow that finished off the Altas in two hours and 16 minutes.
“Nag-laro nang maayos yung mga bata, napakita nila yung pinag-planuhan namin. Saka tulung-tulong pa rin yung mga bata sa depensa at opensa. That’s why hanggang dulo hindi bumitaw,” added Esquibel.
Vince Himzon posted 17 points built on 14 attacks and three blocks while Steven Sta. Maria added 12 points. Christer Ambrocio also turned in a superb all-around game, finishing with eight markers, 16 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs.
Arano dished out 21 excellent sets while Raxel Catris posted 15 excellent receptions and eight excellent digs in the win.
Perpetual drew 23 points from Louie Ramirez on 20 attacks, two blocks, and one ace that went with 24 excellent receptions and four excellent digs, while Micheal Medalla and Jefferson Marapoc added 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Letran, which swept its last four games to finish second behind Cignal in Pool C, looks to make it two-in-a-row as it faces National U-Sta. Elena on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre while Perpetual tries to rebound against guest team Maruichi Hyogo on Monday, back at the Philsports Arena.
