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NCAA basketball weekend recap (Oct 24–26): Manalili mania, Miller machine, and the Altas’ ascent
The NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament had another thrilling weekend, thanks to standout performances and personalities who continue to add flair to the country’s oldest collegiate league.
In case you missed it, here’s a recap of the team standings and results:
Group A Standings
| W-L Record | |
| Perpetual | 7-1 |
| Mapua | 3-4 |
| Arellano | 3-5 |
| LPU | 1-6 |
| San Sebastian | 1-7 |
Group B Standings
| W-L Record | |
| San Beda | 6-1 |
| Letran | 5-3 |
| Benilde | 4-3 |
| EAC | 4-4 |
| JRU | 4-4 |
October 24
After defeating defending champion Mapua University last week, the Red Lions extended their streak with a dominant win over the Chiefs.
It was all San Beda after conceding the opening basket, as they led by 27, 74–47, with two minutes left in the fourth quarter.
While the usual suspects Janti Miller and Jomel Puno powered the Red Lions, transferee Zed Etulle stood out by grabbing 12 rebounds and adding eight points.
Apparently, head coach Yuri Escueta playfully challenged Etulle before the game.
“Sinabi sa’kin ni Coach Yuri, ‘Pag di ako maka-rebound, si Bonzi (John Bonzalida) papalit sa akin,” Etulle said.
Etulle responded perfectly, leading the Lions’ rebounding charge in the victory.
Living up to their tag as giant slayers, the young Heavy Bombers edged the Cardinals, 66–63.
Mapua nearly stole the game late, trailing by just two, 65–63, with 2:38 remaining, but a Shawn Argente split from the line off a Clint Escamis technical foul sealed the deal for JRU.
However, the game ended on a worrying note after Justin Lozano suffered a bad fall that left him briefly unconscious and was rushed to the hospital.
Fortunately, Lozano has since been discharged and is continuing to rest while awaiting medical clearance.
October 25
The Generals bounced back from their loss to Perpetual with a strong win over the Pirates to return to the win column.
Team captain Nico Quinal led EAC with a career-high 18 points, while Oman Omandac, playing against his former team, added 17.
The Perpetual Altas continue their rise, securing a third straight victory at the expense of last season’s finalist, De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde.
Mark Gojo Cruz delivered the game-winning basket to lift the Altas, finishing with 19 points, six rebounds, an assist, and a steal. The win solidified Perpetual’s hold on the top spot in Group A.
October 26
Here comes the Miller Machine.
Janti Miller, San Beda’s newest offensive weapon, put up a career-high 24 points to lead the Red Lions to their fourth straight win.
It was also his third consecutive game with at least 20 points, though he was quick to downplay his individual performance.
“It’s not about me,” said Miller, who credited teammates Jomel Puno (10 points, 17 rebounds), Nygel Gonzales, and Yukien Andrada for the win.
The Red Lions maintained their hold on the top spot in Group B.
Take a peek at the peaking Knights.
Letran rolled to its fifth straight win, shaking off an 0–3 start to the season.
Mark Denver Omega posted 18 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Intramuros squad, while Kevin Santos and Jimboy Estrada added 19 and 15, respectively.
But beyond that, the Manalili mania continues for Letran.
After his stellar outing against Mapua earlier in the week, Titing Manalili dished out 11 assists along with eight points, five rebounds, and a steal.
Three of his dimes directly led to highlight plays, including back-to-back dunks from Kevin Santos and a triple from Deo Cuajao.
Check out the highlight reel below:
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
