By: Kim Yoshi Espiritu
Jonathan Manalil dribbles to halfcourt during the first half. Photo by: Maverick Rhoy De Vera / The LANCE.
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights prevailed over the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates in overtime, 95-83, of the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament today held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Jonathan Manalili took over as he finished his career-best game with a triple-double 13 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds, and two steals. The floor general facilitated great offense for the Knights that resulted in five other cagers marked double-digits scores.
The efficient distribution was vital in icing the game in overtime with the Pirates pestering defense behind their backs. Eventually, the game was sealed by charity shots from Chad Gammad and Kevin Santos. The big man topscored with 16 points and 10 boards.
It was a nip-and-tuck affair right from the tip-off for both teams as Manalili and Jimboy Estrada had full control of Letran’s offense. Estrada churned perimeter shots that got him in double figures before halftime.
Their offensive schemes were polar opposites from each other as the Knights capitalized on ranged field goals, leading 20 points to the Pirates’ three perimeter points. However, the latter made their presence felt by getting close in the paint.
A strong defensive effort came from Letran’s bruiser as Santos and Aaron Buensalida denied consecutive shots. Santos came alive in the second half, scoring consecutive points from quick perimeter jumpers and attacks within the painted area.
It was in the fourth quarter where Letran saw its largest lead of the contest, 81-71, after Deo Cuajao drained two treys from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Lyceum’s John Barba answered with threes of his own to put his squad back within striking distance.
A surprising turn of events happened during the final seconds of the fourth as Manalili went for the winning bucket only for Renz Villegas to drain the buzzer-beating drive and send the game to overtime.
Despite all effort in getting the Pirates back into winning form, team leaders Barba and Villegas still find themselves sinking at the bottom of Group A. The duo posted 24 and 20 points, respectively.
The Knights look to move up in the win column as they aim for their fourth win versus the reigning champions Mapua University Cardinals on Tuesday, October 21, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
QUARTERSCORES: 26-24, 45-43, 68-66, 85-85, 95-93
CSJL (95) - Santos 16, Estrada 15, Cuajao 14, Gammad 13, Manalili 13, Tapenio 13, Buensalida 7, Omega 2, Rosilio 2, Gazzingan 0.
LPU (93) - Barba 24, Villegas 20, Peñafiel 12, Versoza 10, Casiño 9, Aviles 7, Moralejo 4, Daileg 3, Fuentes 2, Montaño 2, Aurigue 0, Dural 0.