By: Brenn Allen Flores
Kevin Santos delivered a breakout performance, scoring a career-high 17 points to lead Colegio San Juan de Letran to a narrow 75-73 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College in the NCAA Season 100 Senior Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Following a clutch shot in Letran’s previous game against the College of Benilde, the 6-foot-7 Kapampangan center shot 66.7 percent from the field. His impressive night included a game-sealing dunk, as well as dominating the paint with seven rebounds and a season-high six blocks.
Santos credited his performance against Benilde for helping him find his rhythm, stating, “Doon na ako nakakuha ng kumpiyansa, hindi na ako ganoon ka-tight. Kumbaga lumuwag na ‘yong laro ko sa loob ng court.”
He added, “Grateful lang ako. Hindi pa ‘to yung buong laro ko. Gagalingan ko pa sa next game namin.”
Letran entered halftime with a commanding 47-33 lead.
However, King Gurtiza sparked a comeback for the Generals in the third quarter, scoring 10 points and narrowing the gap to just four points at 60-56 by the end of the period.
In the final quarter, both teams exchanged baskets until Gelo Loristo and Wilmar Oftana made timely shots to bring EAC within one point at 68-67.
Yet, Santos and Jimboy Estrada halted EAC’s momentum, with Santos hitting a turnaround jumper followed by a dunk that secured the win and handed the Generals their fourth loss of the tournament.
Despite struggling with 25 turnovers, Letran demonstrated their shooting prowess, making 50 percent of their shots from the field and an impressive 94.1 percent from the free-throw line.
Deo Cuajao added 14 points, while Jimboy Estrada and Paolo Javillonar contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Letran will aim to maintain its momentum against the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Saturday, September 28, at 2:30 p.m.
Gurtiza led the Generals with 19 points and five rebounds, while Gelo Loristo and Kyle Jacob provided 11 points each off the bench.
EAC will look to bounce back on Sunday, September 29, as they face the Lyceum of the Philippines University at 2:30 p.m.
The Scores:
Letran 75 – Santos 17, Cuajao 14, Estrada 11, Javillonar 10, Montecillo 9, Miller 8, Nunag 4, Jumao-As 2, Tagotongan 0, Galoy 0, Dimaano 0, Pradella 0, Baliling 0
Emilio Aguinaldo 73 – Gurtiza 19, Loristo 11, Jacob 11, Doromal 7, Oftana 6, Ochavo 4, Pagsanjan 4, Luciano 3, Bacud 3, Lucero 2, Bagay 2, Postanes 1, Quinal 0, Devara 0, Umpad 0
Quarterscores: 25-15, 47-33, 60-56, 75-73
