Forget the 0-3 start, or the twice-to-win disadvantage as Group B's third seed. Letran in its best form is as scary as it gets. 

This version of the Knights was unleashed in Game 1 of their best-of-three semifinals affair against the Perpetual Altas, taking a 77-73 win behind the collective efforts of an entire roster where everyone contributed on the score sheet.

The backcourt duo of Jimboy Estrada and Jonathan Manalili led the pack with 15 points apiece, with the former earning the best player honors after knocking down crucial jumpers that helped extinguish the Altas' late game rally. 

Cebuano rookie Manalili also finished with five rebounds, eight dimes, and six steals.

Patrick Sleat and John Abis led the scoring charge for the Altas, dropping 21 and 20, respectively in the losing effort. 

Usual protagonist Mark Gojo Cruz was limited to only 10 points on 4-for-13 field goal shooting after sitting out almost the entire first half due to three early fouls which nerfed his offensive rhythm.

The Altas and the Knights will face each other on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena for Game 2 of their semi-finals clash.