By: Joaquin Cortez
Without star guard Titing Manalili, Colegio de San Juan de Letran found a way to keep its offense flowing as the Knights fended off Jose Rizal University, 70-66, to snap a two-game losing streak in the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
With Manalili sidelined while recovering from a knee injury, Letran relied on a collective playmaking effort to secure its first victory since losing its starting point guard. The result also let it bounce back from a heartbreaking overtime defeat to Mapúa University on Monday.
Chad Gammad spearheaded the Knights’ offense with 21 points, including four three-pointers. Still, he acknowledged that Manalili’s absence forced the team to make significant adjustments to its offensive execution.
“After Titing’s injury, we had to adjust big time on our execution a lot. Kasi pag nandoon si Titing, parang flowing lang talaga offense namin at wala talagang putol. We really had to adjust on that in practice,” Gammad said.
Letran responded by spreading its playmaking responsibilities across the lineup, with all five starters recording at least two assists against the Bombers.
Nat Montecillo, who took over as the starting point guard in Manalili’s absence, led the Knights with four assists. Gammad, Denzil Walker, and Justin Cargo added three assists apiece, while Jimboy Estrada chipped in with three more off the bench.
Despite being sidelined, Manalili remained involved in helping his teammates adjust, offering guidance on their offensive reads during timeouts.
“Talagang ini-involve niya talaga ang sarili niya, which is pinag-uusapan namin na kapag may nakita siya, sabihin mo sa akin. So, ayun, nag-click naman,” Letran head coach Allen Ricardo said.
“Not just yung assistant coaches ko, but si Jonathan, iba rin ‘yung timpla niya sa teammates niya na kung sino dapat hanapin,” he added.
Despite their improved offensive execution, the Knights continued to struggle at the free-throw line, converting just 24 of 38 attempts against JRU for a 63.2-percent clip.
Estrada, however, delivered when it mattered most. He sank the game-sealing free throws in the final second to preserve Letran’s four-point victory.
Ricardo said the Knights have devoted additional practice time to improving their free-throw shooting, even shortening regular team sessions to make room for extra work at the line.
“Speaking of free throws, binibigyan ko sila ng more than one hour to take free throws. Medyo cinu-cut down ko rin ang team practices namin to practice their free throws. Medyo masama pa rin pero yung most important thing pa rin is yung dulo,” Ricardo said.
With six games remaining in the elimination round, Ricardo stressed the importance of maintaining the team’s improved execution while gradually building toward its desired form for the playoffs.
“Of course, I am happy na kahit wala si Jonathan, nakaka-execute na ang mga guards namin. Pag naaalis sila, nasusunod pa rin ang gusto kong mangyari offensively, defensively, and I am happy with that,” Ricardo said.
“We needed this win kasi we only have the last six games. So, we’re thinking one game at a time, but we really needed this win para makuha namin yung tamang peak going to the playoffs.”
