The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights defeated the Arellano Chiefs in the Playtime FilOil EcoOil 18th Preseason Cup last Sunday, May 18, held at Playtime FilOil Centre. Photo Courtesy: Ram Christian Campos.
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran defeated the Arellano University Chiefs, 72-68, in the return to the hardwood for the Playtime FilOil EcoOil 18th Preseason Cup earlier today, May 18, held at the Playtime FilOil Centre.
Jonathan “Titing” Manalili impressed in his return donning the Blue and Red shirt, scoring 21 markers while scattering seven assists and three rebounds. While Jun Roque had a well-rounded performance with 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Titing’s facilitation skill was big for Letran’s offense, turning the team into a transition threat. The point guard scored seven quick points in the first before hitting five in the clutch to ice the game.
The Chiefs reversed their rhythm at the start of the second with T-Mc Ongotan pickpocketing Letran’s backcourts for easy transition drives.
The Knights trailed by as much as 10 points until Mark Omega and Aaron Buensalida connected in the paint to contribute. Syrex Silorio then hits an open corner trey to diminish the lead to five by halftime, 39-44.
With both teams eager to headline a win in this year’s preseason, both engaged in tight defense until Arellano’s Maverick Vinoya opened the scoring with a three on top of the key at the 8:00 mark, 54-63.
Roque’s breakaway layup cut the deficit to just four, 62-66. Meanwhile, Deo Cuajao made a pull-up jumper to knot the game at 66.
Anjord Cabotaje committed a crucial turnover in attempt to claim buckets in the final seconds.
Cabotaje led Arellano in scoring with 13 points, followed by Ongotan’s 11 markers that went with 11 boards and two assists.
SETTING THE RIGHT TONE
Letran’s head coach Allen Ricardo was happy with their first win and remarked on the importance of this game in setting the momentum for the coming preseason games.
"I am happy with the win, a little bot rusty and madaming turnovers. Medyo unusual yan from our previous invitational tournaments namin for the past 3-4 months, eventuallu this us giving them the confidence in playing — that's the most important thing," he said.
He also remarked on his cagers composure despite having a rusty start, particularly Roque’s body language and mentality all throughout the game.
Manalili, meanwhile, looked positive in his comeback and is looking forward to fortifying their game through practice and training.
"Sobrang excited ko — talagang iniisio ko na makakabalik nako and 'yun yung expectations ng mga tao sa akin kung anong maipapakita ko. Naintondohan namin na first game, rusty nga, kaya babawiin namin sa ensayo," the perennial guard said.
The Letran Knights will battle the Lyceum University of the Philippines Pirates for their second preseason game on May 26 at the same venue.
Quarter Scores: 24-25, 39-44, 53-60, 72-68.
CSJL (72) - Manalili 21, Roque 14, Buensalida 9, Cuajao 8, Omega 8, Silorio 5, Tapenio 4, Rosilio 2, Yusi 1, Montecillo 0, Santos 0.
AU (68) - Cabotaje 13, Ongotan 11, Abiera 10, Vinoya 10, Valencia 6, Hernal 5, Miller 4, Borromeo 3, Anama 2, Geronimo 2, Langit 2, Buenaventura 0, Camay 0, Demetria 0, Libang 0.