By: Jerod Orcullo, Rich Longakit
The Letran Squires secure their spot in the finals with a dominating win against the SSC-R Golden Staglets at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. Photo courtesy of GMA Sports.
Colegio de San Juan de Letran Squires cemented their spot after defeating San Sebastian College- Recoletos Golden Staglets, 91-77, in the NCAA Season 99 Juniors Basketball Tournament on Sunday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The defending champions held a significant advantage with a twice-to-beat edge over the Golden Staglets headed into the contest.
Coach Allen Ricardo’s squad proved that a second game would not be necessary as they asserted themselves to avenge their elimination round loss in a best-of-three Finals against the University of Perpetual Help.
Moses Manalili paced the white shirts with an impressive double-double performance of 19 points, 15 coming from the second half alone, 10 assists, and six rebounds.
George Diamante had a field day against the Golden Staglets with 13 markers and 12 boards, followed by Jolo Navarro, who scattered 14 and 10.
In the latter half of the game, the Squires shifted gears after a slow start with Rex Villanueva stepping up to contribute nine crucial points to push the lead to 12 headed into the final quarter, 69-57.
The Squires continued to apply the pressure and prevented any run from the Staglets to recapture the game as they led by as many as 20 and sealed their faith at a chance at redemption, 91-77.
Ruvic Danag and Jhun Penaverde boasted 19 points a piece to no avail as they ultimately bowed out of the title picture.
The Squires will face the UPHSD Junior Altas for their Championship match this coming Saturday, March 16, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Quarter Scores: 25-20, 42-38, 69-57, 91-77
LETRAN (91) - Manalili 19, Navarro 14, Silorio 14, Diamante 13, Padilla 9, Villanueva 9, Gazzingan 6, Baliling 4, De Leon 3, Dela Rama 0, Hugo 0, Golez 0, Reyes 0, Alforque 0, Cruz 0
SAN SEBASTIAN (77) - Danag 19, Penaverde 19, Porcadas 8, Jimenez 8, Herrera 7, Melano 6, Bonus 5, Roales 3, Bautista 2, Marasigan 0, Apostol 0, Casan 0, Jacob 0