By: Kim Yoshi Espiritu
Photo credits to Allen Matthew Velasquez, The LANCE
After mishandling the second and third frames of the game, the Knights delivered cold-blooded strikes to snag the win from the NCAA Season 100’s only undefeated squad, College of Saint Benilde Blazers, 71 - 69, Sunday at San Juan City, Manila.
With the blazing hands of Deo Cuajao draining the most crucial shots of this game, the trailing Knights quickly erased the 12-point deficit under the six-minute mark of the final canto. He cashed 12 straight markers of his 20 total in this lone quarter.
Behind his back is the heroic Jimboy Estrada, who, despite fouling out of the fourth, used an array of isolation grooves to get his team four extra points in the fleeting minutes. He towed Letran in its offensive struggle and amplified his defensive intensity, adding 17 points, five boards, three dimes, two steals, and a block.
The Intramuros-based squad was faring strong in the first quarter, capitalizing off CSB’s early miscommunications. This resulted in a six-point lead, 20-16.
A fiery commotion unexpectedly panned out at the first half when Benilde’s Jhomel Ancheta seemingly flailed a punch at the back of Javillonar’s head. After some deliberations, the officials called a double-foul and declared the opponent’s starting guard thrown-out of the playing court.
The Knights knew their obvious issue in transition defense, giving away another disappointing 23-to-nothing fastbreak points. They were also outrebounded 52-37, consisting of 20 rebounds from the offensive ringside of Benilde, which translated to uneven distribution in the painted area 38-14.
This is where the Knights’ championship experience kicked in, acknowledging the trouble they are facing, the twin-towers of Muralla in Javillonar and Santos stalled the Blazers’ threat by locking down the defense. Eventually, with perfect positioning, Kevin Santos found his receiving spot and scored the game-sealing points under the basket.
The green shirt standouts, Tony Ynot and Allen Liwag, recorded 15 and 12, respectively. This is another double-double outing for Liwag, who currently stands as the most efficient cager in this tournament.
“NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE IN”
With this tagline instilled in each of their player’s hearts, Coach Allen Ricardo reminded his squad of the prize they are fighting for — to give their all not for themselves but for their families, loved ones, and the entire Letran community.
‘Locked in’ is the phrase that Captain Pao Javillonar had to say coming into this match. Without regard to the tension and physicality of their opponents, he never lost composure and still sought victory.
“Although one-day prep lang, focused talaga kami, pinaghandaan namin talaga ‘yong Benilde”, the battle-hardened player added.
Letran Knights booked two wins and a loss in this eventful week of the season. They are expected to meet the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals this coming Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre Arena.
QUARTER SCORES: 20-14, 35-41, 46-55, 71-69
LETRAN (71) — Cuajao 20, Estrada 17, Javillonar 13, Montecillo 8, Monje 8, Santos 2, Nunag 2, Galoy 1, Baliling 0, Delfino 0, Dimaano 0, Jumao-as 0, Miller 0, Pradella 0
BENILDE (69) — Ynot 15, Liwag 12, Sangco 11, Torres 7, Cajucom 6, Eusebio 5, Sanchez 5, Ancheta 4, Cometa 2, Oli 2, Morales 0, Turco 0