Letran extended its winning streak to four games with an 84–73 victory over Jose Rizal University, seizing the top spot in the NCAA Bracket of the PlayTime Cares Filoil EcoOil 18th Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive on Monday.
The Knights showcased their depth, with five players scoring in double figures.
Deo Cuajao led the way with 15 points, highlighted by four three-pointers, while Jimboy Estrada scattered 13 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Kevin Santos added 13 points and seven rebounds, while Peter Rosillo and Aaron Buensalida chipped in 12 points apiece.
“Yung mga ginagawa natin, dapat ‘wag tayong makuntento especially on the defensive end,” said head coach Allen Ricardo, as Letran improved to 6–1 in the tournament supported by major sponsors PlayTime Cares, Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Bostik El Heneral, Jiang Nan Hotpot, Lamtex Pipes, Smart, and Puso Pilipinas, with Harbor Star, Wallem, Akari, BDO, Tela.com Athletics, Nature’s Spring, Reyes Barbecue, and Brothers Burger as minor sponsors.
Sanlea Peñaverde did all he could for the struggling Heavy Bombers (1–3), finishing with 24 points and three steals in a losing effort.
Meanwhile, Emilio Aguinaldo College cruised to a 77–52 win over Perpetual, thanks to Brianne Angeles’ 12 points and four rebounds.
“Ever since naman, naniniwala kami na kaya naming maging contender. Ang maganda lang is nagde-deliver na yung mga bata sa sistema namin,” said head coach Jerson Cabiltes as the Generals secured their third straight win, climbing to 5–1 and tying idle Benilde for second place.
Only Patrick Sleat reached double figures for the Altas (1–4), finishing with 10 points in another cold shooting night.
Mapua rounded out the day’s winners with a 77–70 bounce-back victory over the still-winless San Sebastian.
Drex Delos Reyes made his presence felt in the paint, tallying 15 points and nine rebounds off the bench for the 3–2 Cardinals. Ivan Lazarte contributed 12 points, while Cyril Gonzales added 11.
Despite the loss, TJ Felebrico put up an all-around performance for the Golden Stags with 17 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, though it wasn’t enough to prevent their sixth straight defeat.
The Scores:
First Game:
CSJL 84 – Cuajao 15, Estrada 13, Santos 13, Rosillo 12, Buensalida 12, Yusi 5, Roque 5, Silorio 4, Tapenio 3, Manalili 2.
JRU 73 – Peñaverde 24, Panapanaan 14, Argente 10, Lozano 9, Castillo 6, Garupil 3, Esguerra 2, Herrera 2, Pangilinan 2, Sarmiento 1, Benitez 0, Canoza 0.
Quarterscores: 21-22, 43-38, 65-52, 84-73.
Second Game:
MU 77 – Delos Reyes 15, Lazarte 12, Gonzales 11, Escamis 8, Recto 7, Cuenco 5, Concepcion 5, Nitura 5, Gulapa 5, Sapasap 4, Igliane 0, Callangan 0.
SSCR 70 – Felebrico 17, Are 13, Nepacena 11, Ricio 10, Pillado 6, Cabilla 4, Lumanag 4, Gomez De Liaño 3, Castor 2, Gabat 0.
Quarterscores: 20-16, 35-29, 51-49, 77-70.
Third Game:
EAC 77 – Angeles 12, Tolentino 11, Cudiamat 11, Ochavo 9, Quinal 8, Villarente 7, Shanoda 6, Dominguez 4, Bacud 3, Castillo 2, Bagay 2, Loristo 0, Oftana 0, Omandac 0.
UPHSD 52 – Sleat 10, Casinillo 8, Pagulayan 6, Gojo Cruz 5, Tulabut 4, Baldoria 4, Alcantara 3, Boral 2, Duremdes 2, Gelasano 2, Nunez 2, Borja 2, Maglupay 2, Abis 2, Orgo 0, Guibao 0.
Quarterscores: 24-11, 44-33, 63-44, 77-52.
