Colegio de San Juan de Letran kept its spot in the top four of the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament standings with a commanding 78-65 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Letran’s success was driven by their dynamic guard-big duo, Jimboy Estrada and Kevin Santos, who dominated both ends of the floor throughout the game.
Santos, a 6-foot-7 Kapampangan, was especially effective in the paint. He nearly achieved a double-double by halftime with 13 points and nine rebounds.
Despite Santos’ stellar first-half performance, the game remained close.
It wasn’t until the second half that the Knights began to pull away.
Head coach Allen Ricardo’s squad intensified their defensive pressure, holding the Pirates to a mere nine points in the third quarter.
This defensive lockdown allowed Letran to gain a comfortable lead heading into the final frame.
Lyceum tried to mount a comeback, but Letran remained composed.
The Knights extended their lead to as much as 15 points in the dying minutes, with a Nat Montecillo jumper sealing the game at 78-63.
Estrada’s all-around performance further solidified the win, as he tallied 19 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.
Santos completed his double-double, finishing with 17 points and 11 boards, while Kobe Monje added 11 points to round out the Knights’ attack.
With the victory, Letran improved to a 6-3 record, separating itself from the Pirates and keeping its grip on a top-four position as it heads into the second round.
“We’re going to take a break tomorrow (Sunday) and resume Monday and we’ll scout Tuesday,” said Letran coach Allen Ricardo.
For Lyceum, John Barba once again led the charge, continuing his breakout season with 24 points, seven rebounds, and three steals.
Renz Villegas was the only other Pirate in double figures, contributing 14 points, albeit on 33% shooting.
The Pirates, now 4-5, ended their first-round campaign just outside the playoff picture, sitting in fifth place.
The Scores:
Letran 78 – Estrada 19, Santos 17, Monje 11, Montecillo 9, Javillonar 9, Miller 8, Nunag 3, Cuajao 2, Delfino 0, Jumao-As 0, Baliling 0
Lyceum 66 – Barba 24, Villegas 14, Daileg 9, Montaño 6, Moralejo 4, Paulo 3, Aviles 2, Peñafiel 2, Panelo 2, Cunanan 0, Gordon 0, Pallingayan 0, Caduyac 0
Quarterscores: 22-18, 42-38, 57-47, 78-66
