Jonathan Manalili closed the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Group Phase in style, powering Colegio de San Juan de Letran to an 87-83 victory over archrival San Beda University on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
It was a bounce-back rivalry win for the Knights after falling 68-58 in the first round.
The standout rookie guard delivered a splendid double-double of 26 points and 11 assists on 60% shooting. Meanwhile, Kevin Santos added another efficient performance with 14 points and five rebounds on 6-of-7 shooting.
“Number one is clarity and second is composure. So for this one-week preparation, going to the San Beda game talagang inupuan namin yon,” said Knights head coach Allen Ricardo on Manalili’s scoring and playmaking display.
“What he needs to do offensively and defensively – yeah, I give to him and to coaches. Isa yun sa mga ine-expect namin na part ng decision-making niya as a basketball player.”
Now holding an 8-5 record, the Knights move on to prepare for their quarterfinal showdown against the Arellano Chiefs on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, where they will have to overcome a twice-to-win disadvantage.
“Siyempre for us, no tomorrow na for Letran. So talagang hindi kami pwedeng magtitipid dun so possession per possession,” the champion coach in the junior ranks added.
“Start of the quarter pa lang, kailangan makakuha kami ng momentum. From there, if we can control the game, diba? But again, it will start on defense and we have to limit their key players.”
Despite an early 10-point outburst from Miller, Letran’s hot shooting gave them a 26-21 lead after the opening quarter.
However, the Red Lions responded with a 10-0 run midway through the second period, capped by a Jimmy Reyes three-pointer that pushed them ahead 35-33 at the 4:41 mark. They carried that surge into halftime with a 49-46 advantage.
San Beda sustained its momentum in the third quarter, stretching the lead to 65-52 through Miller’s free throws. But Letran answered with an 8-0 closeout to knot the score at 70 heading into the final frame.
The Knights regained control in the fourth, highlighted by Jun Roque’s basket that made it 82-77 with 3:26 remaining. Miller continued to try and drag San Beda back, but two crucial baskets by Manalili restored Letran’s cushion to 86-81 with 41 seconds left.
Even with the loss, San Beda remains the top seed of Group B at 9-4, despite missing Jomel Puno and Bryan Sajonia. Miller’s career-high 34 points and five rebounds on 50% shooting ultimately went for naught.
The Red Lions will face either the LPU Pirates or the San Sebastian Golden Stags in the quarterfinals on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
Letran 87 – Manalili 26, Santos 14, Cuajao 10, Roque 10, Estrada 9, Omega 8, Gammad 5, Buensalida 2, Alejandro 2, Tapenio 1, Silorio 0, Montecillo 0
San Beda 83 – Miller 34, Reyes 12, Andrada 8, Gonzales 6, Estacio 6, Calimag 5, Culdora 4, Bonzalida 3, Celzo 2, Lina 2, Etulle 1, Songcuya 0
Quarterscores: 26-21, 46-49, 70-70, 87-83
