Photo Courtesy: FilOil EcoOil Sports
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights handed the previously flawless De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Blazers their first loss in the 18th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup Elimination Round, securing a dominant victory with quarter scores of 22-14, 37-33, 56-49, 68-58, at the Playtime FilOil Centre on June 14.
The Knights' offensive thrust came from Jonathan Manalili's 18 points and four assists, backstopped by Jun Roque's 12 points, three rebounds, and a steal. Inside, Jimboy Estrada was a force, delivering a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, alongside an assist.
Letran asserted its dominance early in the game, jumping out to a quick 14-4 lead thanks to relentless offensive rebounding and crisp shooting. As the quarter wound down, Benilde’s Gabriel Cometa three-point attempt was swiftly countered by Manalili's buzzer-beating basket, giving the Knights a commanding 22-14 advantage at the end of the opening quarter.
The Blazers managed a brief 33-32 advantage behind a free throw and an Ernest Daja conversion, but their lead was short-lived as Manalili responded with back-to-back baskets, showcasing his offensive consistency. Despite the green squad’s efforts to stay close via another free throw, a crucial turnover in the closing seconds allowed Letran’s Mark Omega to seal the half with a last-second bucket, sending his team into the break with a four-point edge.
The Knights struggled to find the mark early in the third, allowing Liwag-Umali tandem to take advantage and push the Blazers ahead, 37-42. However, the former quickly regrouped behind a pair of baskets from Cuajao, sparking a rally. A Manalili-to-Cuajao fastbreak further fueled their surge, putting Letran up 50-44. With just 1:23 left in the quarter, Roque delivered a lead-extending play—draining a three-pointer while drawing a foul, then sinking the bonus free throw to stretch the lead. Manalili added one more at the stripe to make it 56, but Benilde’s Gaspay answered with a late jumper, closing the third at 56-49.
The final quarter saw the Blazers struggle to regain rhythm, relying mostly on free throws while missing critical shots from the field. At the 2:56 mark, Estrada's successful shot pushed the Knights to a double-digit advantage, 64-54. The Intramuros-based squad then slowed the tempo and expertly managed the clock, denying any Benilde rally and sealing a convincing 68–58 win.
The Blazers was led by Allen Liwag with 11 points, nine rebounds, and an assist, while Shawn Umali added seven points, three assists, and three boards. Jhomel Ancheta also contributed 7 markers, going 7-of-10 from the free throw line.
Letran’s triumph not only broke Benilde’s streak but also tied them up in the standings at 5-1. They sit at the top of the standings as they wait for their next matchup versis the JRU Heavy Bombers on June 16, Monday at the same venue.
QUARTER SCORES: 22-14, 37-33, 56-49, 68-58
CSJL (68) - Manalili 18, Roque 12, Estrada 10, Rosilio 8, Cuajao 7, Tapenio 6, Omega 3, Yusi 2, Buensalida 2, Santos 0.
CSB (58) - Liwag 11, Umali 7, Ancheta 7, Gaspay 5, Celis 5, Cometa 4, Oli 4, Moore 3, Cajucom 2, Daja 2, Eusebio 2, Gonzaga 2, Galas 2, Torres 2, Victoria 0, Ynot 0.