By: Aianna Xyril Monsod
Photo Courtesy: Filoil EcoOil Sports.
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights overpowered the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 84-73, in the 18th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup held today, June 16, at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Letran's offensive charge was spearheaded by Deo Cuajao, who delivered a well-rounded performance of 15 points, two assists, two rebounds, and a steal. Providing crucial support, Kevin Santos and Jimboy Estrada each contributed 13 points. The former added seven rebounds and two assists, while the latter showcased his versatility with six assists and six rebounds.
The Knights endured a sluggish start against the Heavy Bombers, trailing 4-10 just four minutes into the game. At the 5:30 mark, they turned the tide with a flurry of points, including two three-pointers from Peter Rosilio, another triple from Elijah Yusi, a basket by Aaron Buensalida, and an and-one play by Jimboy Estrada, to take an 18-10 lead. However, the Heavy Bombers responded with successful free throws and back-to-back baskets from Sanlea Peñaverde in the closing minutes, allowing them to escape the quarter with a slim 22-21 advantage.
Cuajao drilled back-to-back three-pointers to kick off Letran’s scoring run in the second period. He stayed hot with another triple and calmly sank three free throws to extend the lead to 37-28. Luis Tapenio added a timely basket at the 3:53 mark, widening the gap to an 11-point lead. Even with JRU Justin Lozano's determined play, he couldn't stop the Knights from holding onto a 43-38 lead at halftime.
While JRU's scoring dried up, Letran surged ahead in the third frame, led by Estrada's steady production. He sparked a late run with a three-pointer, followed by a Cuajao triple and a strong finish at the rim, pushing their advantage to a commanding 65-52.
Santos sparked the Knights at the start of the final quarter with consecutive baskets, while Buensalida chipped in to help maintain their lead. JRU tried to mount a late rally behind Peñaverde and Ivan Panapanaan, but the gap proved too wide as Letran wrapped up the game with an 84-73 win.
Despite the loss, Peñaverde stood out for the Heavy Bombers with 24 points, along with five rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Panapaanan came close to a double-double with 14 points and nine rebounds, while Shawn Argente chipped in 10 points and two assists.
This win elevates Letran's standing to a 6-1 record, placing them solely at the top of the preseason leaderboard, while JRU now holds a 1-3 slate.
QUARTER SCORES: 21-22, 43-38, 65-52, 84-73
CSJL (84) - Cuajao 15, Estrada 13, Santos 13, Buensalida 12, Rosilio 12, Yusi 5, Roque 5, Silorio 4, Tapenio 3, Manalili 2.
JRU (73) - Peñaverde 24, Panapanaan 14, Argente 10, Lozano 9, Salvador 6, Castillo 3, Esguerra 2, Pangilinan 2, Herrera 2, Sarmiento 1, Benitez 0, Canoza 0.