By: Aliahcorr Balanon
Manalili (No. 13) drives for a layup against the San Sebastian Golden Stags during their NCAA Season 101 men's basketball game at the FilOil EcoOil Arena. Photo: Ram Campos /The LANCE
The Letran Knights’ five consecutive victories came to an end today, Oct. 29, as the San Sebastian Golden Stags outplayed them to secure their second win of the NCAA Season 101 Men’s Basketball Tournament held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Jonathan Manalili scored 26 points while Deo Cuajao dropped a massive 22 markers, contributing to keep the game close until the final buzzer.
The former Letran Squire, Jhuniel Dela Rama, delivered the finishing blow in front of his former teammates and coach in the final 10 seconds of the match.
The Stags started strong in the first canto, securing a seven-point lead over the Letran Knights, 13-20. Dela Rama and Oneil Castor stood out for San Sebastian contributing five points and seven points, respectively.
It was in the second quarter when the Cuajao Brothers, Ian and Deo, went head-to-head as they entered the court. Ian Cuajao immediately made his presence felt, extending the Stags lead to seven, 24-31.
Deo Cuajao quickly responded on his own, followed by Manalili’s successful free throw, trimming the lead to just one point, 30-31. They continued to light up the court with back-to-back three points on the opposite side, keeping the game tight.
Castor maintained his strong performance for the Stags, scoring in double-digits with 12 points by halftime which allowed them to hold a five-point lead, 33-38. Jimboy Estrada answered quickly to cut the lead, but Dela Rama refused to let the Knights close in, ending the first half with Stags still ahead, 39-45.
Castor and Dela Rama continue to dominate in the third quarter, helping the Stags extend their advantage to double digits, 39-50. Manalili answered with two free throws for the Knights, but Markus Dimaunahan quickly answered, pushing their lead to 14 points, the highest margin of the game, so far, 44-58.
Manalili responded once again with a two-pointer and a free throw, followed by a three point from Estrada trimming the lead to 10, 50-60. Deo Cuajao then sank his third three pointer from the game cutting the Stags lead to seven, 55-62.
Peter Rosilio followed with a basket that brought Knights within four, 58-62, but Castor immediately fired back with a clutch three-pointer to restore a seven-point lead for Stags, 58-65, closing the third quarter.
At the start of the fourth quarter, Deo Cuajao continued his hot streak, reaching double digits with 12 points, cutting the Stags lead to four, 61-65. The Stags continue to respond with a 5-0 run, highlighted by another three-pointer from Castor, to widen the gap to 63-71.
Manalili staged a Letran comeback, scoring consecutively to bring Letran within one, 70-71, while Deo Cuajao took over, giving the Knights their first lead of the game at 72-71.
Manalili kept the momentum, pushing their lead to four, 77-73, but Dela Rama refused, scoring back-to-back baskets to tie the game once again at 77 all.
With two minutes left on the clock, the Knights found themselves trailing by three, 77-80, but Deo Cuajao stepped up once more, drilling a clutch three-pointer to tie the score at 80 all. Kevin Santos then added a point from the line to put Letran ahead, 81-80.
Spearheading the Stags was Castor who led all scorers with 22 points followed by Dela Rama with 20 points claiming the Player of the Game honors.
The Knights will take advantage of a week-long break to regroup and make adjustments before clashing with the JRU Heavy Bombers on Saturday, November 8, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena.
QUARTER SCORES: 13-20, 39-45, 58-65, 81-82
CSJL (81) - Manalili 26, Cuajao 22, Estrada 10, Gammad 8, Rosilio 3, Santos 3, Tapenio 3, Buensalida 2, Omega 2, Roque 2.
SSC-R (82) - Castor 22, Dela Rama 20, Cuajao 13, Gabat 12, Felebrico 10, Nepacena 2, Lumanag 2, Dimaunahan 1.