Colegio de San Juan de Letran ended its group stage in the NCAA Season 101 on a high note after turning back longtime rival San Beda University, 87-83, on Sunday, at the Filoil Centre.
The Knights improved to an 8-5 win-loss slate heading into the quarterfinals next week with a motivating victory.
Titing Manalili exploded for a career-best 26-point, 11-assist performance in the last game day in Group B.
Kevin Santos added 14 points on a nearly perfect 6-of-7 shooting from inside that he laced with six rebounds and two blocks. For their parts, Deo Cuajao and Jun Roque had 10 points each.
“As I’ve said, we’re trying to get better going into Wednesday’s game. So, nakita ko naman ‘yung mga bagay na gusto kong makita sa kanila. They’re composed even though nag-trail kami,” said Letran coach Allen Ricardo.
Tied for the third and last deadlock of the match at 70-all to greet the fourth quarter, both teams took turns to regain the upper hand before Manalili and Cuajao fired back-to-back long bombs to give Letran some breathing room, 78-73.
With Janti Miller pouring 10 of his career-high 34 points in the last six minutes of the game, San Beda managed to stop the deficit from swelling and pulled within one, 82-81, with 2:04 remaining.
However, Manalili quickly got back on his feet and stretched the lead for Letran once more with four straight points of his own.
Miller’s attempt for a three-pointer was reduced to a long jumper instead upon reviews, leaving the Red Lions trailing at 86-83, and only nine seconds to turn things around.
Finally, Manalili split his freebies to ice the game as Nygel Gonzales committed a turnover from the inbound.
Miller’s 34 points on top of five rebounds and one assist went for naught, while Jimuel Reyes had 12 markers in the losing effort.
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.
Quarters: 26-21, 46-49, 70-70, 87-83.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
