By: Miguel Caramoan
Through Jimboy Estrada’s scoring brilliance and Kevin Santos’ all-around performance, Colegio de San Juan de Letran avenged their first-round loss to Jose Rizal University with a convincing 85-71 victory in the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Knights’ top bench scorer, Estrada, tallied 20 points, three rebounds, and three assists on 60% shooting from the field. Santos delivered an almost flawless game with 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two blocks on 8-of-9 shooting.
Jonathan Manalili contributed eight points, four rebounds, and nine assists.
“We have to stay humble in terms of what we do, especially on the court. Kailangan humble ka gawin yung mga bagay-bagay, what it takes to get that win,” said Knights head coach Allen Ricardo, reflecting on how he motivated his team after their loss to San Sebastian.
After the Heavy Bombers built a 17-11 lead at the 2:42 mark of the first quarter, the Knights responded with a 12-0 run to close the period ahead, 23-17.
Even though Shawn Argente scored 11 of his 14 first-half points in the second quarter, Estrada matched him with 11 points. He also received strong support from Mark Omega, Kevin Santos, and June Roque.
Although Letran had enough offense to hold a double-digit lead heading into the final quarter, JRU received crucial contributions from Harry Herrera and Allan Laurenaria to take the third frame, 17-14.
JRU managed to cut the deficit to single digits early in the fourth quarter at 65-57 on Sean Salvador’s two free throws. But two steals by Deo Cuajao and Manalili led to easy breakaway layups, and Aaron Buensalida’s basket extended the lead to 72-57 with 6:21 remaining.
Letran maintained this momentum until the final buzzer.
With the win, the Knights are now tied with the Benilde Blazers for the second spot in Group B at 6-4.
“We just take it one game at a time, so focus lang muna kami for San Beda sa Tuesday. We’ll see going to CSB and EAC, pero alam naman namin na nag-preprepare din sila,” Ricardo said, discussing Letran’s goal of securing the second spot in Group B.
“It’s all about understanding the game, kanino sila pumupunta and what kind of play – ayun yung pinaka-importante. The most important thing is decision-making on both ends.”
The Knights will face their archrival, the San Beda Red Lions, on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Every game counts, kaya so talagang ganon yung preparasyon namin, yung pag-scout namin. Going to our next game is San Beda, especially with Miller, Sajonia, Andrada, and Gonzales. Ang lalim din and ang dami namin dedepensahan dyan,” Ricardo added on preparing for the upcoming clash.
Meanwhile, the setback dropped JRU to 5-5, placing them fourth in Group B, though they remain in contention in the tightly contested bracket.
The Heavy Bombers had five players in double figures — Argente with 16 points, Herrera with 14, and Salvador, Laurenaria, and Garupil with 11 each — but the rest of the team combined for only six points.
JRU will take on the EAC Generals on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Scores:
Letran 85 – Estrada 20, Santos 17, Manalili 8, Roque 8, Buensalida 7, Cuajao 7, Omega 7, Silorio 6, Rosilio 3, Montecillo 2, Gammad 0, Yusi 0, Tapenio 0, Gazzingan 0
Jose Rizal 71 – Argente 16, Herrera 14, Laurenaria 11, Garupil 11, Salvador 11, Benitez 4, Panapanaan 2, Sarmiento 0, Castillo 0, Penaverde 0, Casinillo 0, Canoza 0
Quarterscores: 23-17, 49-36, 63-53, 85-71
