Colegio de San Juan de Letran is on a hot streak, winning three consecutive games to catch up with the league leaders in the NCAA Season 100.
After their victory against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on September 22, the Knights sharpened their swords again, defeating Emilio Aguinaldo College and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to improve to a 5-2 win-loss record.
Kevin Santos played the role of the knight in shining armor during this run, with his late-game heroics lifting the Muralla-based squad against EAC and Perpetual.
The big man from Pampanga averaged a double-double of 14.5 points and 10.0 rebounds, along with 5.5 blocks, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 assists in their last two games, earning him the Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week award, backed by Discovery Suites and World Balance, for the period September 24-29.
Against the feisty Generals, Santos recorded a career-high 17 points, along with six blocks, five rebounds, and a steal, capped by a one-handed dunk that slammed the door on EAC’s comeback attempt, securing a 75-73 win.
“Aggressive lang sa depensa namin, at saka ‘yung sistema sinunod ko lang. Tiwala lang ako kay Coach Allen [Ricardo] na kapag bubunutin ako, ready ako lagi, ibibigay ko lang 100-percent ko,” Santos said following their victory over EAC.
Letran head coach Allen Ricardo, meanwhile, expressed his expectations for Santos to improve as the season progresses.
“Medyo nagiging composed na siya, so for the upcoming games I am looking forward na mas gaganda pa ‘yung attitude niya at body language niya going to those games, at alam ko na magkakaroon siya ng malaking impact sa team,” the decorated juniors champion coach said.
Indeed, the 6-foot-7 Kapampangan proved his readiness by posting a double-double performance with 15 rebounds, 12 points, five blocks, two steals, and one assist as Letran defeated the Altas in a triple overtime thriller, 82-73.
Santos also stretched the game for the Knights, making a crucial basket with 6.4 seconds left in regulation to send the game into the first overtime. In the third overtime, he made his presence felt on defense, contributing two rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block.
Santos edged out teammate Jimboy Estrada, Arellano University’s T-Mc Ongotan, and Mapua University’s Clint Escamis for the award, which was voted on and deliberated by print and online scribes covering the collegiate sports beat.
