"The first three games, expected ko talaga na struggling ang laro ng mga rookies ko. But they went into the game and played above par. I was impressed," said Alas moments after chalking up their first win in grand fashion.

Led by spitfire Boyet Bautista, one of the few remnants in the team, the Knights got off to a fiery start as they piled up points behind heir brilliant transition plays and hard-nosed defense.

One of the finest guards to pop out of the league in recent years, Bautista fired 10 of his 16 points in the first half as he proved too much to handle. He also had eight rebounds and four assists in 28 minutes of action as he signified his desire to go out of the league with a bang.

Bautista is playing his last year in the league and wants to give Letran its 17th crown before turning pro late this year.

Also shining for the Knights were neophytes Rafael Jazul and Mark Balneg who stood their ground against the Blazers.

Jazul and Balneg combined for 11 straight points late in the third that enabled the Knights to erect a 52-27 advantage. As if it was not enough, Jazul fired another trey entering the final canto to post Letran’s biggest lead of 28 points, 55-27.

In the second game, Mapua outplayed Philippine Christian University, 47-42.

The Cardinals, third placers last year, rode on the four charities of Joferson Gonzales in the final 30 seconds to defeat the Dolphins, who announced that the school formally accepted the resignation of head coach Junel Baculi.