By: Aishah Jimenez
Photo Credits: Aishah Jimenez, The LANCE
Colegio de San Juan de Letran pulled off a comeback win against Arellano University, 86-79, in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Returning from a two-game suspension, after a brief appearance for his PBA squad Converge FiberXers in an invitational tournament in Davao last July, veteran big man Pao Javillonar led the Knights with his career-high of 28 points, eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
The co-team captain had already collected 15 points in the first half, but the match appeared to be in favor of the Chiefs as the Knights suffered from a 54-46 deficit after the latter’s Renzo Abiera hit a three near the end of the second quarter.
Javillonar received help in the names of Jimboy Estrada, Jace Miller, Kobe Monje, and Joseph Nunag to close the gap in the third, but the Chiefs had tightened their defense, forcing Knights to commit turnovers, thereby maintaining a six-point lead, 69-63.
The Muralla-based team maximized Arellano’s two misses early in the final quarter, with Javillonar sinking two baskets to slowly catch up with the opponent’s lead, 71-69. Deo Cuajao then successfully fired a triple in the middle of the fourth, making the Knights lead the match for the first time.
Javillonar then scored on a putback while Cuajao once again drained a long triple following an assist from Nathan Montecillo, and this gave Letran a favorable 77-73 lead. However, Arellano’s Abiera also shot two consecutive threes to reclaim a 79-77 lead.
Javillonar again made a basket and a free throw, Montecillo scored a two, while Estrada, on the other hand, produced four markers in the remaining minute to seal the victory for the Knights.
Estrada contributed 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and a block, while Miller poured 11 markers, five boards, three dimes, and two steals. Seniors Rafael Go and Kobe Monje put up six points apiece.
“Bagong Coach, Bagong Sistema”
In the post-game interview with The LANCE, Letran head coach Allen Ricardo bared that he was a bit surprised by Javillonar’s career-high performance since it never happened in his entire years of playing in the NCAA.
"Am I surprised? A little bit. Kasi simula nung nag laro siya ng NCAA, hindi nangyari sa buhay niya yan. Pero I give it to him. Tinatrabaho niya yan eh, and nandoon talaga siya sa offensive scheme namin so talagang binibigay namin yun,” he said
Javillonar, on the other hand, explained that what motivated him was to bring back Letran’s legacy following a season slump last year.
“Bagong coach, bagong sistema. Tapos nagpapayat ako para mag-fit ako sa sistema. Ayon ‘yung unang ginawa ko. Kung ano rin yung mga in-inject ni coach sa sistema, in-absorb ko lang,” said the 6-foot-6 bruiser when asked what changed him personally.
Letran improved to 2-1, keeping Arellano winless in three games.
The Knights will face Mapua University next on Friday at 2:30 p.m. at the San Juan Arena.
The Scores:
Quarters: 28-28, 46-54, 63-69, 86-79.
Letran 86 - Javillonar 28, Estrada 14, Miller 11, Cuajao 6, Go 6, Monje 5, Dimaano 5, Jumao-os 4, Nunag 4, Montecillo 2, Delfino 1, Pradella 0, Santos 0, Tagotongan 0.
Arellano 79 - Vinoya 16, Hernal 11, Capulong 11, Abiera 10, Ongotan 10, Geronimo 7, Valencia 6, Camay 4, Borromeo 2, Libang 2, De Leon 0, Acop 0, Miller 0, Espiritu 0.