MANILA, Philippines — For three games, Letran’s Kevin Santos had found a way to flip the switch transforming him from a seldom-used, second string big man to a juggernaut inside.
During that scintillating span, the 6-6 Santos averaged 15 points 13 rebounds and three blocks, helping propel the Knights not just straight into Final Four contention, but also in the championship race.
Santos hopes to sustain his fiery form when Letran tackles an unpredictable Lyceum of the Philippines U in today’s start of the second round of NCAA Season 100 eliminations at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
With Santos as their defensive anchor and a dangerous inside scoring threat, Letran has jumped into a three-way tie for No. 2 with defending champion San Beda and Mapua on 6-3 records, a game behind league leader College of St. Benilde (7-2).
“I told him (Santos) to just be patient and his time will come if he follows what we are trying and need to do,” said Letran coach Allen Ricardo. “So far, he’s been doing it.”
It will be the second game between Letran and LPU in less than a week after the former edged the latter, 78-66, in their first-round encounter.
Interestingly, it was Santos’ 17-point, 11-rebound and three-block effort that helped the Knights seal the deal. LPU is currently in a tie at No. 5 with Perpetual Help and EAC on 4-5 marks.