LETRAN AVENGES FIRST ROUND LOSS TO JRU

By: Miguel Caramoan

STRONG GROUP-backed Colegio de San Juan de Letran avenged their first-round loss to Jose Rizal University with an 85-71 victory in the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Jimboy Estrada led the Knights with 20 points, three rebounds, and three assists on 60% shooting, while Kevin Santos added 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two blocks on 8-of-9 shooting. Jonathan Manalili also chipped in eight points, four rebounds, and nine assists.

After JRU jumped to a 17-11 lead in the first quarter, Letran responded with a 12-0 run to close the period ahead, 23-17. The Heavy Bombers fought back in the second and third quarters, with Shawn Argente scoring 11 of his 14 first-half points and Harry Herrera and Allan Laurenaria contributing in the third.

JRU cut the deficit to single digits early in the fourth quarter at 65-57, but Letran’s Deo Cuajao and Manalili sparked breakaway layups, and Aaron Buensalida’s basket pushed the lead to 72-57 with 6:21 remaining. The Knights maintained control until the final buzzer.

With the win, Letran improves to 6-4, tying the Benilde Blazers for second place in Group B.

“We just take it one game at a time,” said Knights head coach Allen Ricardo. “The most important thing is decision-making on both ends. Our focus now is San Beda on Tuesday.”

Letran will face their archrival, the San Beda Red Lions, at the Mall of Asia Arena, with Ricardo emphasizing the importance of preparation and scouting for key players like Miller, Sajonia, Andrada, and Gonzales.