Jonathan “Titing” Manalili continues to shine for Colegio de San Juan de Letran as the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament reaches its midpoint.
Manalili played a crucial role in the Knights’ campaign this past week, helping them defeat defending champion Mapua University, 85–82, in overtime last Tuesday, and Arellano University, 83–65, last Sunday.
With his impressive performances, Manalili was named NCAA Player of the Week by the Collegiate Press Corps for the period of October 20 to 26.
Against the Cardinals, the rookie rose to the occasion, posting 14 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds in the hard-fought overtime victory.
A taunt from former MVP Clint Escamis even added more fire to the young guard’s game.
“Nagfi-free throw kasi ako tapos may sinabi siya sa akin na parang, ‘Dito mo patunayan, bata,’” Manalili shared.
“Sabi ko naman, kailangan kong patunayan kasi Rookie MVP ’yan. Kailangan kong ipakita sa kanya na kaya ko pa ring makipagsabayan kahit nasa college na.”
?(I was shooting the free throw and he said something to me, like 'This is where you prove it, kid'... I said I really needed to prove something because he's a Rookie MVP, I need to show him I can keep up even in the college level.)
Days later, Manalili once again delivered, orchestrating Letran’s offense masterfully in their win over Arellano.
Though limited to eight points, he tallied 11 assists and five rebounds as the Intramuros-based squad extended its winning streak to five games, improving to 5–3.
Manalili also featured in one of the week’s highlight plays, setting up Kevin Santos for back-to-back slams with his pinpoint passes.
The Letran rookie bested teammate Santos, San Beda University’s Janti Miller, and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA’s Mark Gojo Cruz in the weekly deliberation conducted by beat writers covering the NCAA.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
