Letran Knights are the back-to-back NCAA 97 men’s basketball champions

The Battle of Intramuros is over as the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights defeat the Mapua Cardinals for a back-to-back championship, 75-65 in Game 2 of the NCAA 97 men's basketball tournament on Sunday, May 22 at the Fil-oil Flying V Center. 

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The Knights won their 12th straight game against the Cardinals with a clean sweep.

The Knights dominated the game and had the lead on their team for the past four quarters.

 

However, in the fourth quarter, Paolo Hernandez's triple cut the Knights’ lead to five, 65-70, putting them back in the game, but Rhenz Abando's final play and free throws maintained the lead giving the Knights the win.

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Rhenz Abando scores 14 points and grabs 12 rebounds after being injured and only playing 20 minutes in Game 1. Abando was also named MVP and Rookie of the Year in his rookie season, averaging 15.73 points, 6.36 rebounds, 1.73 assists, and 1.27 blocks per game.

 

As a result of his 13 points and 9 rebounds, Joe Ambohot was named Finals MVP. Big man Louie Sangalang also contributed 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists for the win.

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The Knights of Colegio de San Juan de Letran are still the kings of Intramuros after winning their 19th championship and their first back-to-back titles since 1998-99.

 

The Scores

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LETRAN 75—Abando 14, Ambohot 13, Sangalang 11, Caralipio 9, Javillonar 8, Reyson 7, Yu 6, Paraiso 3, Mina 3, Olivario 1, Fajarito 0.

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MAPUA 65—Hernandez 14, Nocum 145, Lacap 12, Gamboa 10, Pido 7, Bonifacio 6, Mercado 2, Agustin 0, Asuncion 0, Garcia 0.

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Quarters: 19-8, 39-23, 58-48, 75-65