NCAA: Letran bounces back, ends JRU's four-game winning streak

Colegio de San Juan de Letran returned to the win column after defeating Jose Rizal University, 70-66, in NCAA Season 102 on Thursday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Letran held a 41-33 lead at halftime, but the Heavy Bombers fought back in the second half, cutting the deficit to just two points, 54-52, by the end of the third quarter.

The two teams then traded baskets in a tight fourth quarter before the Knights pulled away, 66-60, with 4:08 remaining.

Chris Hubilla completed a three-point play to trim JRU’s deficit, while Chad Gammad converted one of two free throws after being fouled by Lance Masiglat, giving Letran some breathing room in the closing minutes.

Jay Garupil then cut the deficit further before Nat Montecillo split his free throws after drawing a foul from Sean Salvador, leaving Letran ahead, 68-65.

Lawrence Mangubat sank a technical free throw before Jimboy Estrada converted his free throws to seal the victory for the Knights.

Gammad led Letran with 21 points, 17 of which came in the first half. Denzil Sison-Walker added 11 points, while Kevin Santos chipped in 10.

Mangubat paced JRU with 18 points, eight rebounds, and two assists, while Salvador contributed 11 points.

With the win, Letran improved to 5-3, while JRU fell to 6-2, ending the Heavy Bombers’ four-game winning streak.

Scores:

Letran 70 - Gammad 21, Walker 11, Santos 10, Buensalida 8, Montecillo 8, Cargo 5, Reyes 3, Estrada 2, Hugo 2, Villanueva 0.

JRU 66 - Mangubat 18, Salvador 11, Garupil 8, Panapanaan 6, Hubilla 5, Eligado 4, Penaverde 3, Duque 3, Garcia 2, Palis 2, Masiglat 2, Laurenaria 2, Herrera 0.

Quarters: 20-19, 41-33, 54-52, 70-66.

—JKC, GMA News