LETRAN KNOCKS OUT ARELLANO TO SECURE SEMIS SPOT
By: Miguel Caramoan
Colegio de San Juan de Letran asserted its dominance over Arellano University in the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Tournament, booking a semifinals berth with a 77-69 victory on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Strong Group-backed Knights erased the Chiefs’ twice-to-beat advantage in the process, marking their third win over Arellano this season—one in the crossover and two in the playoffs.
This victory also signals Letran’s return to the Final Four after a three-season absence, their first appearance under head coach Allen Ricardo in only his second year with the seniors squad. The Knights last won a championship in Season 98.
“Of course, thankful nakapasok kami. We are blessed and thank God na hindi niya kami pinabayaan,” Ricardo said. “A little bit of struggle. Same mistakes and ang dami namin binigay na second chance points but credit to the boys and the coaches for adjusting.”
Letran will face Group A leader Perpetual Altas in a best-of-three semifinal series starting December 2 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“Of course, we have to know what they're doing and we have to know their personnel. They have Patrick Sleat and Gojo Cruz, sila yung heart and soul ng team nila. Kailangan namin limitahan sila para we have a good chance of closing the game and winning the series,” Ricardo added.
Jimboy Estrada led Letran with 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists on 3-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc. Kevin Santos added 15 points and eight rebounds, while Jun Roque provided a key boost off the bench with 11 points. Even though Jonathan Manalili did not convert a field goal, he contributed 12 assists, four rebounds, and three steals, anchoring Letran’s playmaking.
The Knights’ decisive moment came in the second quarter, outscoring the Chiefs 22-11 to overturn a three-point first-quarter deficit and take a 39-31 lead at halftime. The third quarter saw both teams trading blows, but Arellano came close at 64-62 on Anjord Cabotaje’s triple at 8:19 of the fourth. Letran responded with scoring from Buensalida and Estrada, complemented by Manalili’s court vision, to extend the lead to 77-67 with 1:27 remaining and secure the win.
“Basketball is a game of runs. Nung pinasok nila si Cabotaje, he delivered. Kailangan pa namin i-improve yung mga ganiyang aspects heading into the semifinals,” Ricardo said. “Hindi ako masaya with them because we are a bit shaky. We have to consider na bago sa kanila yun. Mahirap i-demand sa kanila because it takes some time for them to experience ang ganiyang klaseng game but it will help us heading into the semifinals.”
