By: Aianna Xyril Monsod
Photo by: Zabrina Hong | The LANCE
Jonathan “Titing” Manalili starred with a double-double, recording 16 points, 14 assists, four rebounds, and a steal, while John Sherick “Jimboy” Estrada contributed 11 points and four steals. Jun Roque and Deo Cuajao added nine points apiece to help Letran secure the win.
Both squads opened with slow scoring as their defenses held firm, trading baskets with the Knights edging ahead but unable to create separation. A Manalili-to-Kevin Santos connection closed out the quarter, giving them an 18–15 lead.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with both teams struggling to find consistent shooting. The Altas’ dynamic duo, Mark Gojo Cruz and Patrick Sleat, then combined for six straight points, allowing them to take the lead from Letran at 38–35. The half concluded with a flurry of back-to-back scoring, capped by Manalili delivering a basket just before the buzzer, as the Perpetual claimed a narrow 42-39 edge.
The south side team’s speed and dominant rebounding, anchored by MGC’s scoring, pushed them to a 48–61 lead late in the canto, while the Knights relied on free throws to stay afloat but still closed the period down, 54–64.
The momentum shifted in the final frame as Cuajao drilled consecutive triples to quickly cut Perpetual’s cushion down to four. The tight play continued until Manalili manufactured a timely and-one play with just over two minutes left, bringing Letran within one. Estrada then knocked down a crucial three to push them back in front, 72–70. The maroon crew’s attempt to tie the score with 10 seconds left ultimately failed when John Abis missed his close-range jumper.
At the 5.6 seconds mark, Roque was fouled and missed the free throws, but secured the rebound only to be fouled again, this time converting both attempts. With the clock expiring, Cruz missed a three-pointer, dashing the Perpetual’s hopes for a decider as the Muralla-based squad held on for a 74–70 victory.
Leading the way for the Altas, Sleat delivered a strong all-around performance with 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Gojo Cruz added 15 points and six rebounds, while Abis dominated the glass with 11 boards and contributed 10 points.
The Letran Knights are officially finalists, setting the stage for the championship round as they wait to see who emerges from the San Beda-Benilde showdown.
QUARTER SCORES: 18-15, 39-42, 54-64, 74-70
CSJL (74) - Manalili 16, Estrada 11, Roque 9, Cuajao 9, Omega 7, Buensalida 7, Santos 6, Gammad 5, Tapenio 4, Montecillo 0.
UPHSD (70) - Sleat 17, Cruz 15, Abis 10, Orgo 7, Nunez 6, Boral 5, Tulabut 3, Alcantara 3, Casinilio 2, Maglupay 2.