LETRAN ONE WIN AWAY FROM FINALS
By: Miguel Caramoan
Strong Group-backed Colegio de San Juan de Letran inched closer to a return to the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball finals after securing a hard-fought 77-73 victory over the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in Game 1 of the semifinals on Wednesday.
The Knights extended their winning streak to five games and will aim to close out the series in Game 2 on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena, seeking their first finals appearance since Season 98.
Jonathan Manalili starred with an all-around performance, contributing 15 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and six steals. Jimboy Estrada also scored 15 points, including a crucial three-pointer that helped Letran withstand Perpetual’s late surge.
The game opened with a high-scoring first quarter as Chad Gammad nailed three triples and Manalili added eight points, giving the Knights a 26-22 lead after 10 minutes.
An 11-0 run capped by a Deo Cuajao three-pointer midway through the second quarter put Letran firmly in control. The period was marred by an altercation between former Altas Jun Roque and Gojo Cruz, which drew double technicals. Letran shot 7-of-12 from three-point range to take a 50-36 halftime lead.
Perpetual rallied in the third quarter, led by Patrick Sleat’s 11 points, trimming the deficit to 59-55 with just over three minutes remaining. But Letran’s transition offense, orchestrated by Manalili, helped the Knights maintain a 64-56 advantage entering the fourth.
The final quarter saw a back-and-forth battle, with Nat Montecillo’s breakaway layup extending Letran’s lead to 72-60 with 4:47 left. Perpetual mounted an 8-0 run to cut the lead to 72-68, but Estrada responded with a clutch three-pointer to make it 75-68. The Altas stayed within striking distance at 75-71 after free throws, but a missed shot and a backcourt violation sealed their defeat. Estrada added two final free throws, closing the game at 77-73.
Letran head coach Allen Ricardo praised his players’ work ethic and execution, noting the importance of both offense and defense. “I want to give credit din kay Chad because he worked on his shot and also Jimboy kasi talagang sipag nyan mag-extra before and after practice,” Ricardo said. He added, “Yun talaga kailangan magkaroon ng tinatawag na good execution for us to have the defensive mentality kasi mahirap lang dumepensa ng dumepensa at hindi ka mag-shoot.”
Ricardo also warned against complacency despite the win. “Syempre, yung second half, don’t relax kasi babalik at babalik yan… nahirapan kami sustain yung depensa namin sa ilalim, resulting to offensive rebounds and second chance points,” he said.
