Letran takes its second victory in the Filoil EcoOil ECJ Preseason Cup, escaping the LPU Pirates. Photo courtesy of Filoil EcoOil Sports.
The Letran Knights gained their second win in the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup at the expense of the LPU Pirates, 91-86, earlier today at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Rookie star player, Jonathan Manalili, received the Best Player of the Game nod as he led the team with 14 markers, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals. He was backed by Jimboy Estrada who had 18 points and three assists, providing a much-needed scoring punch for the Knights.
Estrada paved the way for the Knights’ fourth quarter comeback with clutch buckets, highlighted by a jumper from the top of the key in the final seconds of the contest to secure a three-point advantage for his squad.
Letran opened the game slow, trailing Lyceum by the end of the first half, 49-53.
It was the good mix between the veterans and the young guns that allowed the Knights to keep the gain within striking distance headed into the final quarter, only down by 10 despite a barrage of points from the Pirates in the third.
Letran struggled to put up points on the board but were able to trim the lead to as close as five, 77-82, at the 5:46 mark of the fourth.
After a few possessions, Estrada managed to clinch the lead for the Knights for the first time, since the second frame with a runner through the middle followed by a drive and basket by Manalili less than three minutes left in regulation, 87-84.
John Barba led the Pirates with 19 points and three assists, together with Mclaude Guadaña who tallied 18 points, five assists, and two steals in the losing effort.
Coach Allen Ricardo was glad for his players as he shared that their preparation for this game was challenging,
“To be honest, ang dami naming challenges this week because naghahabol sila sa exams, kaya medyo hindi naging ganun yung preparation namin,” he stated.
“Kahit medyo nagkakagulo kami at kung saan kami papunta, we still sort things out,” Ricardo added.
The Knights will be facing Arellano Chiefs in their next game on May 28, Tuesday, at 9:00 A.M. in their fifth match of the tournament.
The Scores:
Quarter: 24-27, 49-53, 68-78, 91-86
LETRAN 91 — Estrada 18, Manalili 14, Galoy 13, Javillonar 10, Nunag 9, Dimaano 9, Cuajao 8, Baliling 6, Go 4, Montecillo 0, Bojorcelo 0.
LPU 86 — Barba 19, Guadaña 18, Peñafiel 13, Montaño 12, Villegas 9, Bravo 9, Versoza 4, Aviles 2, Daileg 0, Pallingayan 0, Lopez 0.