By: Bjorn Del Deade
Pao Javillonar announced his return to Colegio de San Juan with a stellar performance, leading the Knights to an 86-79 victory over the winless Arellano University Chiefs and score back-to-back wins in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
After serving a two-game suspension due to playing for Converge in the 39th Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament, Javillonar, who was the 19th pick in the 2024 PBA Rookie Draft, made an impressive comeback, scoring a career-high 28 points with an efficient 68.8 percent shooting from the field.
The senior bruiser also grabbed eight rebounds, helping Letran improve their standings to a 2-1 win-loss record.
Despite trailing 69-63 at the end of the third quarter, Letran opened the final period with a 9-2 run.
Deo Cuajao’s crucial corner three-pointer played a pivotal role in propelling the Knights ahead of the Chiefs, 72-71, before the five-minute mark.
The Chiefs attempted to counter Letran’s late surge with an 8-5 run, fueled by Renzo Abiera’s two consecutive three-pointers, narrowing the gap to 79-77 with three minutes left.
However, Javillonar sealed his career game with a decisive three-point play at the 2:47 mark, putting Letran ahead 80-79.
The Knights then closed out the game with a 6-0 run in the final minutes, securing their win, 86-79.
“Tiwala lang,” said Letran coach Allen Ricardo. “Napaka importante magtiwala sa mga bata. Every minute lagi ko sinasabi, kahit ano mangyari, wala bibigay regardless kahit ano lead pa yan, tyagain natin, one point at a time.”
Letran’s Jimboy Estrada and Jace Miller also contributed significantly, scoring 14 and 11 points, respectively, with the former also grabbing eight rebounds.
The Knights will seek their third victory against the Mapua Cardinals on Friday, September 20, at 2:30 p.m. at the same venue.
For Arellano, Maverick Vinoya led with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals while Cyril Hernal and Lorenz Capulong each added 11 points.
The Chiefs remained winless after three games and will next face the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates on the same date and venue at 12 p.m.
The Scores:
Letran 86 – Javillonar 28, Estrada 14, Miller 11, Cuajao 6, Go 6, Monje 5, Dimaano 5, Jumao-as 4, Nunag 4, Montecillo 2, Delfino 1, Pradella 0, Santos 0, Tagotongan 0
Arellano 79 – Vinoya 16, Hernal 11, Capulong 11, Abiera 10, Ongotan 10, Geronimo 7, Valencia 6, Camay 4, Borromeo 2, Libang 2, De Leon 0, Acop 0, W. Miller 0, Espiritu 0
Quarterscores: 28-26, 46-54, 63-69, 86-79
