By: Aianna Xyril Monsod
Letran's Kevin Santos and Mark Omega lead the Knights with stellar performance against Arellano Chiefs /Layout and Photos by Maverick Rhoy De Vera
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights kept their winning momentum alive after defeating the Arellano University Chiefs, 83–65, on October 26 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, continuing their strong run in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
Kevin Santos spearheaded the Knights’ charge with an all-around performance, tallying 19 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals, and three blocks. Mark Omega asserted his presence in the paint with a dominant double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Jimboy Estrada contributed 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists to keep Letran in control throughout the game.
The Knights overcame a slow start to build an early lead, sparked by two three-pointers from Estrada that ignited a 10-point cushion, 17–7, before the Chiefs cut the lead down to four to end the opening quarter.
Despite several turnovers that allowed Arellano, led by Renzo Abiera, to mount a brief rally midway through the second quarter, back-to-back baskets from Estrada and key points from Santos helped Letran close the half ahead, 42–33.
Rookie guard Titing Manalili was instrumental in the Knights' offensive flow, dishing out 11 assists for the game, a feat highlighted in the third frame where his playmaking helped keep the offense ticking. With Chad Gammad calmly sinking free throws, the Intramuros-based crew closed the period with a 60–51 advantage heading into the final quarter.
Mark Omega powered Letran in the closing canto, dominating inside with crucial baskets including an and-one play to maintain a solid double-digit edge, effectively neutralizing the early fourth-quarter efforts of Chief’s Maverick Vinoya and cruising to the 83-65 victory.
Abiera paced Arellano with 15 points and three rebounds, while Vinoya provided all-around support with 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Letran’s triumph was solidified by Omega’s impressive performance, which head coach Allen Ricardo attributed to the guidance of the center’s former coach at Perpetual, Mike Saguiguit.
In a post-game interview, coach Ricardo shared, “Noong nag–i–struggle si Mark, tinawagan ko si Coach Mike. Sabi ko, coach baka you can help me with Mark, give me feedback or criticize mo ’ko in terms of how I manage him. Binigay ni Coach Mike… From that point, nagkaroon kami ng agreement ni Mark. He responded dun sa gusto kong mangyari… I’m happy na eto na ’yun, yung Mark Omega na hinahanap ko.”
Omega himself confirmed the conversation with his former coach was a key motivator.
“Nakatulong naman sakin. 'Yun yung naging motivation ko… Siguro magtuloy-tuloy na ‘to. Nakuha ko na yung confidence ko, basta maging matured lang ako. Foul trouble kasi ‘yun ang nagiging struggle ko,” he said.
The head coach gave a message for the Letran community, who have high expectations for the Knights this season. “Habaan pa ninyo yung pasensya ninyo sa team, and we promise to give our best effort every time we play. Ayoko magsalita ng tapos, pero nakikita ko na yung team natin na nagpe-peak na.”
The Letran Knights look to sustain their hot streak as they face the San Sebastian Stags on October 29.
QUARTER SCORES: 17-13, 42-33, 60-51, 83-65
CSJL (83) - Santos 19, Omega 18, Estrada 15, Gammad 9, Manalili 8, Cuajao 8, Buensalida 6, Rosilio 0, Tapenio 0, Roque 0, Yusi 0.
AU (65) - Abiera 15, Vinoya 14, Cabotaje 7, Camay 6, Geronimo 6, Ongotan 6, Valencia 5, Demetria 4, Hernal 2, Libang 0, Borromeo 0, Miller 0, Acop 0, Buenaventura 0.