By: Kim Yoshi Espiritu
Deo Cuajao of Letran Knights goes for a fastbreak layup against Adamson Soaring Falcons’ Matt Montebon. Photo courtesy of Kim Yoshi Espiritu | The LANCE.
The Letran Knights lost their chance at a tournament championship after wilting to the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 69-76, in the Asiabasket 2025 International Invitational yesterday, July 24, held at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Knights had a sparse offensive output in this game as compared to their previous match against Formosa that eclipsed the 100 points. Letran floundered in the final quarter, failing to silence down Adamson’s main shot makers — which made coming back from a double-digit first half deficit a far-fetched reality.
Three cagers from Muralla registered double-digit points with Deo Cuajao and Jimboy Estrada scoring 11 and 10, while point guard Jonathan Manalili continued his double-double streak with 11 markers, 10 assists, two rebounds, and two steals.
Matt Montebon and the Falcons relied on their three-ball early in the opening minutes of the first quarter. Coach Allen Ricardo of the Knights, however, came prepared and tried to set the tone early by using a full-court press to counter.
This aggressive mentality of Letran seems to pay-off as they transform into a team that handles loose balls better and getting the knack for converting broken transition plays.
A score gap of 10 points by halftime prompted the latter to go full throttle, Cuajao draining a pair of energizing triples at the start of the third frame reeled the Knights to close proximity. Jonathan Manalili then scored consecutive baskets to steal the lead, 48-47, at the 3:30 mark.
It was quickly redeemed by Mathroven Erolon who made seven-straight points off three free throws and two jumpers, but Letran still held on to a one-point lead courtesy of Alex Gazzingan’s baseline jumper, 55-54.
Adamson pulled away just before two minutes in the fourth, with Montebon and Earl Medina making consecutive threes to lead by eight, 64-72.
With lights out shooting, Montebon spearheaded the Falcons with 16 points, nine assists, and three rebounds alongside Medina with 16 points and four rebounds. Erolon and Manzano churned in 14 and 10, respectively.
This loss automatically placed the Knights at the third place due to the San Beda Red Lions’ conflicting schedule which made them unavailable for the competition’s battle for third.
QUARTERSCORES: 16-17, 29-39, 55-54, 69-76
CSJL (69) - Cuajao 12, Manalili 11, Estrada 10, Santos 9, Omega 6, Alejandro 5, Gammad 4, Gazzingan 4, Montecillo 3, Silorio 3, Tapenio 2, Buensalida 0, Rosilio 0, Yusi 0.
ADU (76) - Medina 16, Montebon 16, Erolon 14, Manzano 10, Competente 6, Fransman 4, Perez 4, Anabo 2, Demisana 2, Torres 2, Barcelona 0, Cañete 0, Ojarikre 0, A. Ronzone 0, C. Ronzone 0, Tumaneng 0.