By: Jetaime Kaina Cerbito
Photo credits to: Augusto Urbano II, The LANCE
Coming down from a high off winning against the undefeated Blazers last Sunday, the Letran Knights extended their winning streak scoring 75-72 against the EAC Generals on Sept. 25, Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, San Juan City.
Following his game-winning shot versus the Benilde Blazers, Kevin Santos proved he has more to offer, shining on both ends of the court as he erupted with a career high 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 blocks.
Trailing behind Santos is Cuajao, now part of a team that worked best with his skillset, once again showed his prowess in the court as a reliable shooter and provided significant firepower, pouring 14 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists.
The EAC Generals struggled with foul trouble early on, getting 3 fouls within the first 3 minutes of the first quarter and giving away 3-point plays for the Letran Knights, pressuring the Generals into retaliations which resulted in difficult shots and quick turnovers.
The Knights started out strong, establishing a 10-point lead in the first quarter, 25-15, but the Generals refused to back down, narrowing the Knights’ lead at the first half of the second quarter down to 6, but the unstoppable force of Santos’s blocks and Cuajao’s offensive gave way for the Knights to execute their plays, scoring 56.7% of their field goals as opposed to the Generals’ 32.6%, ending with a double digit margin, 47-33 at halftime.
Despite his hand injury, EAC’s King Gurtiza delivered an outstanding performance, leading all scorers with 19 points and 5 rebounds that kept the Generals within striking distance. The Generals’ relentless offense helped them chip away at the 17-point deficit as they cut the opponent’s momentum.
The Knights found themselves struggling offensively after a three-pointer by Cuajao at the 9:07 mark in the third. They went cold in the field, missing several field goals and turnovers which allowed the Generals to narrow the gap down to 1 point. Miller swooped in and ended the Knight’s scoring drought hitting a field goal at the 1:52 mark to give the Knights a 60-56 lead, providing the breathing room they desperately needed after a tenacious 20-4 by the Generals.
In the last quarter, the Knights regained their offensive rhythm, with Estrada striking a crucial field goal early on. Both teams exchanged fouls but the Knights’ defense held strong, forcing the Generals to turn over a crucial possession after Doromal’s traveling foul with less than 2 minutes remaining, which cost their chance to a lead over the Knights.
Closing out the game in Letran fashion, Santos nails a one-handed slam off Estrada’s assist, surpassing his career high 16 points, final score 75-72 at the fourth.
Knights’ promise ahead
With their back-to-back victories, the Knights improved their current standing to 4-2 just behind the Perpetual Altas at third, promising to keep the momentum and secure their spot in the finals.
In a post-game interview with NCAA Philippines, Santos remained humble after his breakout career high performance: “Grateful lang ako sa laro ko ngayon. ‘Di pa ‘to ‘yong buong laro ko, gagalingan ko pa sa next game namin.”
The Knights are set to match up with the Perpetual Altas on Sept. 28, Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
QUARTER SCORES: 25-15, 47-33, 60-56, 75-72
LETRAN (75) — Santos 17, Cuajao 14, Estrada 11, Javillonar 10, Montecillo 9, Miller 8, Nunag 4, Jumao-as 2, Tagotongan 0, Galoy 0, Dimaano 0, Pradella 0, Baliling 0
EAC (72) — Gurtiza 19, Loristo 11, Jacob 11, Doromal 7, Oftana 6, Ochavo 4, Pagsanjan 4, Luciano 3, Bacud 3, Lucero 2, Bagay 2, Postanes 1, Quinal 0, Devera 0, Umpad 0