By: Kim Yoshi Espiritu
The Letran Knights earned a strong win over the LPU Pirates in a tough game on October 5, 2024, during NCAA Season 100 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, San Juan City. Photo Courtesy: Maverick Rhoy De Vera.
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights drubbed the NCAA season 100 hosts, Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, for their final game of round 1, 78-66, earlier today in FilOil EcoOil Arena.
All gears were running for the Knights after carrying a steady double-digit margin through the endgame. The two-way force, Kevin Santos, bolstered his brilliant round 1 performance by producing 17 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks. Alongside him was Jimboy Estrada, posting 19 points, seven assists, and five boards.
Estrada waxed-hot early in the opening frame, driving the Knights to a 15-point surge with 10 markers of his own. James Miller's whistled attempt from the deep was quickly converted in the charity stripe to earn the first quarter lead, 22-18.
Santos inched close to amassing a double-double performance in the first half. The 6-foot-6 big, propelled the squad with his tremendous paint presence, unleashing a pair of perimeter shots and a signature slam — racking up 13 points and nine boards to cling into their four-point cushion, 42-38.
Specializing in last-minute hustle, Coach Gilbert Malabanan knows that trailing in the half would not hold his cagers still. He directed LPU mainstay, John Barba, to keep on challenging the walls of Santos and Javillonar, and inflate his 17 markers. But the young guards of Letran showed their wizardry in the latter half.
CJ Delfino, famed as the Tasmanian Devil, dished jaw-dropping passes, while Nat Montecillo and Jace Miller, was side-by-side in scorching the Pirate’s struggling defense. The opposing Jonathan Daileg had zero desire to stay down, exchanging back-to-back midrange and treys to tow his team away from the tightrope.
Eventually, the Lyceum’s ship did not sail any further as the remaining clock winds down. Barba had an effective outing of 24 points with 57 shooting percentage. Their guard, Renz Villegas, contributed 14 points in the losing effort.
This large-margin victory was the Knights’ first during the season. Head coach Allen Ricardo was hands down and attributed this mighty win to his players, who remained committed and humble under his wing.
”Binigay nila sa akin yung respeto and they gave up yung ego nila para sa team”, Coach Allen remarked on a post-game interview.
The tactician expects heavy matchups in the second part of the competition and seeks to double their effort in practice. He acknowledged that the position tournament is uncertain seeing close games after another.
The NCAA Season 100 Men’s Basketball Tournament schedule is yet to be announced.
QUARTER SCORES: 22-18, 42-38, 57-47, 78-66
LETRAN (78) - Estrada 19, Santos 17, Monje 11, Javillonar 9, Montecillo 9, Miller 8, Nunag 3, Cuajao 2, Baliling 0, Delfino 0, Jumao-as 0.
LYCEUM (66) - Barba 24, Villegas 14, Daileg 9, Montano 6, Moralejo 4, Paulo 3, Aviles 2, Panelo 2, Penafiel 2, Cunanan 0, Caduyac 0, Gordon 0, Pallingayan 0.