LETRAN SETS UP DO-OR-DIE QUARTERFINAL CLASH

By: Joaquin Cortez

Strong Group-powered Colegio de San Juan de Letran kept its NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball hopes alive with a hard-fought 87–78 victory over Arellano University in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

The Knights have dominated the Chiefs throughout the season, including a commanding 83–65 win in the elimination round last October 26. On Wednesday, they leaned on their star-studded lineup to maintain that edge and advance closer to the semifinals.

Jimboy Estrada led the way for Letran with 22 points, while Kevin Santos added 20. Jonathan Manalili orchestrated the Knights’ offense with 15 points and a game-high nine assists, and Deo Cuajao chipped in nine off the bench. Aaron Buensalida anchored the interior with 10 rebounds, while Estrada also contributed four boards and four assists.

“We started flat, so ang sama ng start namin. Hindi kami makakuha ng momentum kasi ang dami rin naming binigay na offensive rebounds and second chance points,” said Letran head coach Allen Ricardo.

After trailing 19–27 at the end of the first quarter, the Knights clawed their way back at the charity stripe, knocking down 18 free throws in the first half—double Arellano’s output.

“We were struggling pero nandoon pa rin kami, dumidikit pa rin kami,” Ricardo added. “Sabi ko lang, ‘We just need multiple stops and good execution para somehow ma-control natin ’yong game.’”

Letran broke the game open in the third quarter with an 11–0 run sparked by an Estrada three-pointer, taking a 75–67 lead into the fourth. The Knights’ defense then clamped down, holding Arellano to just 11 points in the final frame to seal the win.

Both teams will face off again on Friday at 12:00 p.m. in a do-or-die clash, with the winner advancing to meet the victor of the Perpetual–Jose Rizal semifinals matchup.