By: Sophia Pacheco
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights fight for victory against JRU Heavy Bombers in NCAA Season 100 game 2. Photo Courtesy William Tulagan.
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights shunned the JRU Heavy Bombers, 62-70, held at the Filoil Eco Oil Centre in San Juan, Friday, Sept. 13.
Johnsherick “Jimboy” Estrada showcased his brilliance yet again with an efficient 22 points, two assists, nine rebounds, and one steal, while James Miller poured in with 16 points and 85.7% shooting percentage.
The first quarter began with Rafael Go setting the tone at halftime with four points, two assists, and two rebounds, a feat that puts them in the forefront.
Despite the JRU Heavy Bombers' aggressive defense, Letran's offense was effective, seizing on free-throw attempts and controlling the boards to lead 15-16, at the end of the first quarter.
Joshua Guiab challenged the offenses of James Pradella and Deo Cuajao to keep their team on pace. However, the Knights entered the fourth quarter with a hard-fought six-point lead, 48-54.
Shawn Argente led the Heavy Bombers with 18 points, and Guiab chipped in 12 as JRU suffered its second consecutive loss.
Estrada sealed the game for Letran by hitting four of his four free throws and back-to-back triples in the final seconds of the quarter.
In a post-game interview with SYNERGY, Jimboy Estrada highlighted that ‘staying composed’ is what fueled the Knights' success against JRU.
“One game at a time. Kada game kailangan nasa isip namin depensa number one.” Estrada said.
He also stated that he trained hard in his gameplay to improve his shooting and defense.
The Letran Knights are determined to maintain their current winning streak in their next game, facing the Arellano Chiefs, on September 17 at 11 A.M.
Quarter Scores: 16-15, 32-31, 54-48, 70-62
LETRAN: Estrada 22, Miller 16, Go 8, Cuajao 6, Dimaano 5, Pradella 4, Baliling 3, Jumao-os 3, Santos 2, Monje 1, Montecillo 0, Nunag 0, Delfino 0
JRU: Argente 18, Guiab 12, Raymundo 9, Pangilinan 8, Ramos 6, Panapanaan 5, Barrera 4, Samontanes 0, Benitez 0, De Leon 0, De Jesus 0, Medina 0