By: Miguel Caramoan
Behind Mark Omega’s career-best performance with his new team and Kevin Santos’ dominant showing, Colegio de San Juan de Letran notched its fifth straight win, defeating Arellano University, 83-65, in the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The result lets them overtake College of Saint Benilde for sole possession of second place in Group B.
The former Letran Squire, who played from Season 93 to 95, delivered his best performance wearing the Knights’ jersey. He posted a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds on an efficient 6-of-7 shooting.
“I want to thank Coach Myk Saguiguit, talagang nung nag-struggle si Mark [Omega] tinawagan ko yan. And I appreciate Coach Myk and tinulungan namin si Mark para ma-redeem yung sarili niya para makatulong siya sa team,” Knights’ head coach Allen Ricardo said, referring to his request for former Perpetual Altas head coach Mike Saguiguit to help Omega regain his rhythm.
“I’m happy for Mark na unti-unti yung bigs namin nagko-contribute na.”
Kevin Santos added 19 points and seven rebounds, along with three steals and three blocks, shooting 72.7% from the field.
Jonathan Manalili also continued his impressive playmaking, recording his fifth straight game with double-digit assists. He finished with 13 dimes, eight points, and five rebounds.
Meanwhile, Jimboy Estrada added 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
“Just love. Siyempre yung transition ko here, medyo mabilis eh. So nandun pa rin ako sa sitwasyon na I’m just trying to adjust from high school to college,” Ricardo said, reflecting on how he’s handling the current Letran lineup.
“But now, the most important thing is alam mo rin yung kakayanan nila and you have to respect that. So ibinabalik naman sa akin yon, so mahalin mo yung mga players mo dahil definitely ibabalik din nila yan.”
In the first quarter, Manalili’s playmaking was on full display, assisting on all six of Letran’s field goals. Arellano’s Basti Valencia and Yuan Camay combined for nine points, keeping the game close, with Letran holding a slim 17-13 lead after the opening period.
The next two quarters belonged to Santos, who scored eight points in the second quarter. Manalili’s pinpoint passes also set up back-to-back highlight dunks by Deo Cuajao to extend Letran’s lead to 55-39 at the 6:25 mark of the third.
Arellano responded with a 9-0 run sparked by Ernest Geronimo’s drive, cutting the deficit to 55-48. It later closed in to within six, 64-58, after Anjord Cabotaje’s three-pointer at 7:30 of the fourth.
Omega, however, took over down the stretch, scoring seven points in the final period to seal the win and maintain Letran’s control.
After a rough 0-3 start, Letran has emerged as the league’s hottest team with five straight wins, climbing past the Benilde Blazers for the second spot in Group B at 5-3.
The Knights now aim to complete a five-game sweep of their crossover play versus San Sebastian on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Arellano, meanwhile, suffered its second straight loss but remains within reach of the second spot, trailing the Mapua Cardinals by just half a game with a 3-5 record.
Renzo Abiera led the Chiefs with 15 points, while Mav Vinoya added 14 points, five rebounds, and three assists on 54.5% shooting. T-Mc Ongotan, however, struggled, contributing just six points on 25% shooting from the field.
Arellano looks to bounce back when it faces the JRU Heavy Bombers on November 5 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Scores:
Letran 83 – Santos 19, Omega 18, Estrada 15, Gammad 9, Manalili 8, Cuajao 8, Buensalida 6, Yusi 0, Rosilio 0, Tapenio 0, Roque 0
Arellano 65 – Abiera 15, Vinoya 14, Cabotaje 7, Camay 6, Ongotan 6, Geronimo 6, Valencia 5, Demetria 4, Hernal 2, Buenaventura 0, Libang 0, Borromeo 0, Miller 0, Acop 0
Quarterscores: 17-13, 42-33, 60-51, 83-65
