By: Andrea Ponce
Letran takes home victory against SSC-R after another close call at the Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup Season 3. Photo courtesy of Yvonne Altaire Solon of The LANCE.
Colegio de San Juan de Letran prevailed in a nerve-wracking match against San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 87-83, in the Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup Season 3 held at Enderun Colleges earlier today.
The former Letran Squires standout, Jovel Baliling, led his team with a score of 17 points, two rebounds, and an assist.
Joco Bojorcelo boosted his team's momentum as he executed a layup against the SSC-R Golden Stags and later followed up with a two-point shot.
Without hesitation, Baliling scattered buckets from beyond the arc and even scored on an outlet pass from Edsel Galoy.
Letran continued to dominate the court as Jimboy Estrada started the second quarter with a three pointer, followed by baskets from Jonathan Manalili and Kobe Monje.
Wanting to turn the tide, the Golden Stags' Kent Bacani answered with a three of his own, however Galoy quickly answered back with a shot on the break.
As the third quarter commenced, the SSC-R Golden Stags gained their pace as Rafael Are ran their offense.
Vince Suico and Are paced their offense and defense to take the lead for the first time in the contest, 77-78.
A few plays later, Monje and Estrada combined for a flurry of points for the Knights capped off by a steal by Manalili to widen the margin enroute to the win, 87-83.
The Intramuros-based squad will face the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on May 8 at 2:30 p.m. at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City.