Kurt Reyson’s absence was hardly felt as defending champion Letran finally regained consciousness and listed its first win with an 86-71 triumph over San Sebastian in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

Vince Cuajao listed 14 points, five rebounds and four assists and was the catalyst when the Knights seized an insurmountable 50-24 advantage in the second quarter. 

Letran head coach Rensy Bajar was just too glad to taste their first win and hoped that it would be the turning point that they have been waiting after starting the tournament at 0-7.

“Siyempre napakasaya, kahit papano nalampasan namin yung 0-7, kahit papaano nakaisa kami,” Bajar said.

“I hope it will be the turning point for our team this season,” he added.

Also Instrumental for Letran’s win were Neil Guarino and Kobe Monje, who both tallied 13 points each to keep the team afloat the entire game. Bench players also stepped up in Nicko Fajardo and Rico Bojorcelo who scored nine and eight points, respectively.

Rafael Are anchored San Sebastian’s offense with 20 points but were not enough as the Golden Stags dropped their fifth game in eight games.