By Ivan Saldajeno
SAN JUAN, MM--In their clash in the FilOil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup last month, Letran needed a strong finish to hold off CSB.
On Tuesday night in the NCAA, all the Knights needed was a strong start.
Letran officially began the Aldin Ayo Era in the league with an 82-53 rout of CSB at the FilOil Flying V Arena.
The Knights went on a tear early on, opening a ten-point lead against the Blazers after the first quarter. They immediately turned the game to a blowout later on.
Mark Cruz led Letran with 16 points, while Bong Quinto added 14. Kevin Racal made a successful comeback from an ACL injury and contributed six markers.
Jonathan Grey also had 16 points for CSB, which lost Paolo Taha and Mark Romero to graduation.
Box Scores:
Letran 82–Cruz 16, Quinto 14, Nambatac 14, Sollano 10, Balanza 7, Racal 6, Calvo 5, Balagasay 5, Apreku 4, Dela Peña 4, Luib 0
CSB 53–Grey 16, J.J. Domingo 10, Ongteco 8, Saavedra 7, Nayve 5, Jonson 4, Sta. Maria 2, Deles 1, Castor 0, Fajarito 0
Quarterscores: 20-10, 37-24, 58-37, 82-53
