Jazul powers Letran past Saint Benilde in NCAA

MANILA, Philippines - RJ Jazul scored a career-high 37 points to lead last year’s finalist Letran Knights to an 88-75 win over the Blazers of Saint Benilde in Friday’s game of the 84th National Collegiate Athletic Association season at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City. Jazul, held to single digits in the first half, erupted for 26 points in the second shooting seven-of-11 in the three-point territory to help the Louie Alas-coached Knights secure its second straight win. “I just wanted to help my team in the second half," said Jazul after the game as the Knights trail the Blazers at halftime. “Coach [Alas] said we have to give our all every game," the Letran slotman added, who also had eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals in the game. The Blazers were still in the game after trailing the Knights at 64-59 after three quarters but could not keep up with the Letran five’s experience and end-game savvy to drop to a 2-1 record. Jazul buried a three-pointer to end a 9-3 exchange as the Knights built an 11-point advantage with 6:34 left in the final canto. Letran also held Saint Benilde scoreless for almost three minutes in that stretch. That lead further ballooned to 17 points courtesy of John Melegrito’s seven straight markers, including a nifty move under the basket where he slipped past three Saint Benilde defenders. With Letran enjoying a comfortable double-digit lead, Alas even had the luxury of pulling out his starters, including Jazul, midway in the final period. The Knights, losing finalists to defending champion San Beda Red Lions last year, nailed its second straight win in as many games. - GMANews.TV