By: Joaquin Cortez
Titing Manalili did not have a Finals debut to remember, as Letran rookie star fouled out while the Knights fell to the San Beda Red Lions in a 89-70 blowout in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 101 Basketball Finals on Wednesday.
Despite the setback, Manalili still made his presence felt, leading Letran with 17 points, five assists, and a game-high five steals in 28 minutes.
His performance showed flashes of the star potential that brought him into the spotlight this season.
“May pressure kasi nga first time at first year ko. At least ngayon alam ko na at na-feel ko na,” the 21-year-old Cebuano said after the loss.
“Panoorin ko ulit ‘yong game kung anong nagawa kong mali and babaguhin ko sa Game 2. Lalo na sa pag-relax. Kasi kanina, talagang nag-relax ako.”
Manalili entered the game at the 6:13 mark of the first quarter but scored only two points as Letran trailed 29-19 after the period.
In the second quarter, he sparked a rally, scoring nine points and helping the Knights close the gap to 44-42 at halftime.
However, Letran’s comeback bid faltered in the second half, as the Red Lions capitalized on the Knights’ offensive miscues.
With 5:20 left in the fourth quarter, Manalili fouled out after colliding with Jimuel Reyes during an inbounds play, leaving Letran shorthanded as the Red Lions pulled away.
Manalili’s impact off the bench was still evident, as Letran outscored San Beda’s reserves, 63-31.
Jimboy Estrada and June Roque contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively.
Letran’s starters, however, struggled, combining for just seven points compared with San Beda’s 58. Aaron Buensalida, Luiz Tapenio, and Elijah Yusi each had two points.
“Gusto namin maka-meet ng good start kanina, which is ‘di siya nangyari,” Manalili said.
“Tignan natin ano ‘yong bagong group ni coach Allen (Ricardo) sa Game 2.”
As the Knights prepare for a do-or-die Game 2 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, maintaining their defense will be key to keeping their championship hopes alive.
“’Yong huling defense namin. ‘Yon ‘yong nakita namin na good para sa team at mas tatrabuhin namin ‘yon,” he added.
#WATCH: Letran ace Titing Manalili fouls out of Game 1 of the #NCAASeason101 Finals ⚔️🏀
📹 @miguelcaramoan /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/Y62OQkrj0w
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) December 10, 2025
