By: Kim Yoshi Espiritu
Photo courtesy of Filoil EcoOil Sports.
Just a week after their preseason trip, the Letran Knights came back for another hardwood action as they beat the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 88-87, in the Asiabasket 2025 International Invitationals Tournament held yesterday at the Playtime FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The game boasted debut performances from notable recruits and rookies across the collegiate ranks — most notably, Collins Akowe, who recently copped the UAAP Juniors Title along with the Most Valuable Player and Best Foreign Student-Athlete awards behind monster performances.
Letran, meanwhile, brought their aces and showed aggressiveness down to the last nick of time as Jimboy Estrada saved the victory from Mark Llemit’s corner three point attempt that almost stole the game in the fourth quarter.
Incoming Knights rookie Chad Gammad displayed one of the blistering performances in this game, shooting his way to 16 markers while converting 66% of his shots. On the other hand, despite having obvious dismay on his outing, Jonathan Manalili, shared his playmaking forte with his crew — enough to earn him the player of the game award with seven points, six steals, four boards, and 10 dimes.
An efficient first canto allowed the Knights to take the biggest lead of the game by 13 markers coming off the playmaking of Manalili that connected to the hot hands of Kevin Santos and Deo Cuajao who fired a pair of treys.
By halftime, Santos already tallied 14 points as he shifted gears and turned on aggressive mode that unleashed a highlight dunk in front of the 6-foot-10 center from España.
The Tigers had their first feel of the lead in the third frame after veteran Forthsky Padrigao rushed for a wing trey, but it was quickly redeemed by Estrada’s drive to force a deadlock, 54-all.
Forcing the Tigers to commit turnovers was paramount for the Knights’ transition offense that seemed to click the majority of the contest.
Estrada continued to margin the gap come the final canto, delivering an and-one jumper conversion, however, Akowe remained strong in the post by scoring consecutive baskets and providing the extra push for Gelo Crisostomo to take the lead, 85-81.
Luis Tapenio provided crucial points straight from his hustling effort to control the fate of the game. The undersized bruiser made two final go-ahead baskets to complete his double-double performance of 12 points and 10 rebounds.
UST, in the loss, had their own version of double-double outing courtesy of Akowe who had 17 points and 21 rebounds. Backstopping the rookie in their offense was Llemit with 19 points, six boards, and three steals.
The Knights will take the next step in the week-long tourney as they battle international talent in Lakas California on July 21, Monday, 4:00 PM at the same venue.
QUARTERSCORES: 31-22, 52-49, 74-70, 88-87
CSJL (88) - Gammad 16, Santos 14, Estrada 13, Tapenio 12, Cuajao 10, Manalili 7, Silorio 6, Buensalida 5, Rosilio 3, Omega 2, Gazzingan 0, Montecillo 0, Mundas 0, Yusi 0.
UST (87) - Llemit 19, Akowe 17, Acido 12, Paranada 12, Crisostomo 7, Bucsit 6, Padrigao 6, Buenaflor 5, Calum 2, Danting 1, Estacio 0, Mara 0.