MANALILI, LETRAN GET BACK AT SAN BEDA
By: Miguel Caramoan
Jonathan Manalili delivered a sensational performance to lead Strong Group-backed Colegio de San Juan de Letran to an 87-83 triumph over San Beda University on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, closing out the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Tournament elimination round on a high note.
The rookie guard posted a double-double with 26 points and 11 assists, shooting an efficient 60% from the field, while teammate Kevin Santos chipped in 14 points and five rebounds on 6-of-7 shooting. The victory marked a bounce-back for the Knights after a 68-58 loss to the Red Lions in the first round.
“Number one is clarity and second is composure. So for this one-week preparation going to San Beda game talagang inupuan namin yon. What he needs to do offensively and defensively – yeah, I give to him and to coaches. Isa yun sa mga ineexpect namin na part ng decision-making niya as a basketball player,” said Letran head coach Allen Ricardo, praising Manalili’s scoring and playmaking.
The win improved the Knights’ record to 8-5, setting up a quarterfinal clash against the Arellano Chiefs on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, where Letran will have to overcome a twice-to-win disadvantage. Ricardo emphasized the importance of every possession going into the do-or-die matchup:
“Syempre for us, no tomorrow na for Letran. So talagang hindi kami pwedeng magtitipid dun so possession per possession, start of the quarter pa lang kailangan makakuha kami ng momentum. From there, if we can control the game diba? But again, it will start on defense and we have to limit their key players.”
The Knights raced to an early 26-21 lead after the first quarter, despite a 10-point surge from San Beda’s Miller. The Red Lions responded with a 10-0 run midway through the second quarter, capped by a Jimmy Reyes three-pointer, seizing a 35-33 lead and holding a 49-46 advantage at halftime.
In the third quarter, San Beda extended its lead to 65-52 on Miller’s free throws, but Letran rallied with an 8-0 run to tie the game at 70 heading into the final period. The fourth quarter saw the Knights regain control, with Jun Roque’s basket giving them an 82-77 edge with 3:26 remaining. Two crucial baskets by Manalili then restored an 86-81 cushion, helping Letran hold off a late Red Lions push and secure the win.
