By: Rylie San Juan
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights fell short once again as they went into battle against the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals last October 30, 2024. Photo by: Maverick Rhoy De Vera.
Following their recent loss to the JRU Heavy Bombers, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights fell short once again as they went into battle against the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals yesterday, October 30 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The zone defense of EAC served problems for the Knights as they got outclassed in the crucial possessions of the game. The main gunner of Letran, Jimboy Estrada, tallied a double-double with 10 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks in an effort to tow Letran back in its winning ways.
A dry spell ensued after the initial tip-off as both teams missed back and forth, struggling to find the bottom of the net. But, Deo Cuajao once again showcased his sharpshooting as he drilled a quick corner three and one from deep – ending the cold streak. The red shirts’ Paolo Bagay was on the receiving end of a massive block from Joseph Nunag to stall the General’s lead at four points, 11-15.
Struggling in the scoring department, Estrada made a case as the primary floor general, dropping dimes for a cutting Monje. An unsportsmanlike foul was called on Lucero at the 6:26 mark of the second frame after a hard contact on Jace Miller that converted two charity points.
EAC’s offensive rebounding was apparent as the Knights continued to struggle in grabbing the leather after every shot attempt by the Generals. Wilmar Oftana heated up from deep as he hit multiple three balls, further extending their cushion. Estrada’s defensive prowess went on full display as he sized up Harvey Pagsanjan for a chasedown block at the 1:49 mark, much to the delight of the Letran crowd. The first half ended, 29 - 33, in favor of the Generals.
The third quarter opened with a series of turnovers from both teams. Gurtiza struck first with a three-pointer to start the Generals' scoring. Meanwhile, Pagsanjan continued the second half onslaught after draining back-to-back shots from downtown, which Estrada countered with his own six-point run.
The MVP-caliber guard, seemingly unsatisfied of the opposing offense, skied high for another electric pindown on Pagsanjan. However, the General's quick recovery helped them obtain a comfortable gap towards the 1:54 mark and ended the quarter, 45 - 54.
Ochavo’s hot shooting kept their momentum going as he drained a three-pointer just 15 seconds into the fourth quarter. Javillonar finally scored Letran’s first points of the quarter with a baseline floater. The Knights struggled with missed shots, while the Generals stayed on target. Cuajao managed a layup and drew a foul, but as the final buzzer sounded, Letran fell 58-68, marking their second straight loss.
The Generals’ strategy put pressure on Cuajao and Estrada, stifling the Knights on the offensive end. In an interview, Kyle Ochavo, who scattered 10 markers, three rebounds, and three assists, explained their game plan:
“Stop lang si Jimboy and si Cuajao, kung ma-stop naman silang dalawa walang score, mas lamang kami. Inaral ko talaga more on depensa, kasi kung may depensa doon lang papasok yung opensa”, said the Cebuano guard.
Harvey Pagsanjan also racked up 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists, helping solidify EAC’s path back to the Final Four.
The Letran Knights are set to face a formidable foe in De La Salle-College of St. Benilde Benilde Blazers with hopes of keeping their season alive next game on November 8 at the same venue.
QUARTER SCORES: 11-15, 29-33, 45-54, 58 - 68
LETRAN (58) - Estrada 10, Nunag 10, Cuajao 9, Monje 7, Miller 6, Montecillo 5, Javillonar 4, Baliling 3, Dimaano 2, Jumao-as 2, Delfino 0.
EAC (68) - Pagsanjan 13, Ochavo 10, Gurtiza 9, Loristo 9, Oftana 8, Quinal 6, Jacob 4, Ednilag 3, Bacud 2, Doromal 2, Lucero 2, Bagay 0, Luciano 0.