Behind 44 combined points from Denzil Walker and Chad Gammad, Colegio de San Juan de Letran steamrolled San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 99-62, for a 37-point victory that extended its unbeaten start in the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
With the win, Letran improved to 2-0 for sole possession of first place in the Group B standings, while San Sebastian dropped to 0-2 and remained at the bottom of the group. The Stags have now lost six straight games, including four carried over from last season.
Earlier in the day, the league canceled the first game of Friday’s doubleheader between Jose Rizal University and San Beda University after heavy rains in the San Juan area caused condensation and water buildup on the playing surface, rendering the court unsafe for competition.
Conditions later improved, allowing the second game to proceed as scheduled.
San Sebastian has now surrendered a combined 66 points in its first two games of the season, including a 26-point loss to Arellano University on Sept. 14.
“For me, I am not yet satisfied with how we performed even though we got this win,” Letran head coach Allen Ricardo said. “Alam kong may mas mai-improve pa sila. Nandoon ‘yong effort … but I need more, extra effort. Kailangan pa nilang i-doble ‘yon para maging habit sa kanila.”
Letran began pulling away in the second quarter, with its stifling defense forcing San Sebastian to search for answers. The Knights went on an 8-0 run before the Stags finally ended their scoring drought on a Khit Barroga triple with 4:33 left in the period.
The Knights continued to apply pressure on both ends, with Titing Manalili converting a layup off an inbound steal to stretch Letran’s lead to 22 points, 49-27, at halftime.
Letran continued to punish the Stags in the third frame, with Manalili finding Gammad for a reverse layup that gave the Knights a 69-39 advantage. San Sebastian remained buried in a deep hole as Letran carried a 75-47 lead into the final period.
The Knights’ balanced attack proved too much for the Stags in the fourth quarter, as Letran cruised to a 37-point victory.
Letran forced 34 turnovers from San Sebastian, converting them into 32 points off turnovers. The Knights’ up-tempo attack also produced 30 fastbreak points, compared with just 12 for the Stags.
Walker led all scorers with 25 points, three rebounds, and two blocks, while Gammad added 19 points, four rebounds, and five steals for the Knights. George Diamante shone defensively with 10 rebounds, though found himself held scoreless.
Manalili nearly recorded a double-double with 14 points and nine assists, although he also committed eight turnovers.
For the Stags, Barroga paced the team with 15 points and three assists, while Matt Acosta chipped in 10 points and eight rebounds.
Letran will next face Arellano University on Monday, Sept. 21, at 5:00 PM at Philports Arena in Pasig City. San Sebastian, meanwhile, will take on the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the same San Juan venue.
The Scores:
Letran 99 – Walker 25, Gammad 19, Manalili 14, Reyes 8, Montecillo 6, Siena 5, Estrada 4, Santos 4, Villanueva 4, Valdeavilla 3, Hugo 3, Cargo 3, Diamante 0, Buensalida 0, Muyuela 0
San Sebastian 62- Barroga 15, Acosta 10, Ricio 7, Ynot 6, Gabat 6, Castor 6, Muktimar 2, Segovia 2, Velasco 2, Cuya 2, Alforque 2, Cruz 2, Bacani 0, Chuidian 0, Salvo 0
Quarterscores: 24-15, 49-27, 75-47, 99-62.
