By: Rich Longakit, Andrea Ponce
Letran survives San Sebastian after a close knit game. Photo courtesy of Ram Christian Campos of The LANCE.
Colegio de San Juan de Letrán rejected San Sebastian College-Recoletos’ attempt to clinch the match, 81-79, in the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup held at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan yesterday.
Edsel Galoy led the Knights with 15 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, followed by James Jumao-as, who also contributed 15 of his own together with two boards, and Charles Dimaano’s 13 markers, six boards, and two dimes.
Letran shot themselves in the foot through the final minute of the ball game as they missed eight of their 10 free throws, which allowed the Golden Stags chip away at the deficit with clutch buckets from Reggz Gabat, Raymart Escobido, and Tristan Felebrico.
Luckily for the Muralla-based group, time was on their side as after Jonathan Manalili clanked his final attempt from the stripe the ball fell into the hands of Joseph Nunag, who proceeded to dribble out the remaining 1.5 seconds to seal their victory.
Coach Allen Ricardo’s team found themselves in yet another nip and tuck affair as San Sebastian managed to keep up with their tempo and defensive aggressiveness until Jumao-As was inserted in the second frame to provide an offensive boost and immediately made an impact with three straight from the arc, 48-35.
With the momentum favoring the Knights, the Golden Stags put on an offensive onslaught in the fourth as they put up 30 points in contrast to Letran’s 18 but proved to be insignificant for the outcome as the white shirts still prevailed.
Felebrico accumulated 15 points, and nine rebounds, along with Gabat, who contributed 14 points, and three boards, and Aguilar’s 13 markers for the Golden Stags.
The Letran Knights’ next match will be against the MAPUA Cardinals on Sunday, June 2, at 1:00 P.M.
QUARTER SCORES: 21-20, 48-35, 63-49, 81-79.
LETRAN (81) -- Galoy 15, Jumao-as 15, Dimaano 13, Go 8, Nunag 8, Garupil 6, Manalili 6, Pradela 6, Alarcon 4, Baliling 0, Bojorcelo 0, Brillantes 0, Montecillo 0, Tangkay 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN (79) -- Felebrico 15, Gabat 14, Aguilar 13, Escobido 12, Gabat 8, Lintol 6, Valina 3, Maliwat 2, Masiglat 2, Pascual 2, Ronquillo 2, Barroga 0, Ramilo 0, Ricio 0, Tualdes 0.