By: Rylie San Juan
Photo courtesy of Maverick Rhoy De Vera /
The Letran Knights ended the elimination round with a win against their rivals the San Beda Red Lions, 87-83. At the NCAA Season 101 Men’s Basketball Tournament held yesterday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan City.
Jonathan Manalili spearheaded the Knights’ retaliation, churning 26 points, 11 assists, four rebounds, and two steals.
The scoring was back and forth early in the game as both teams made the most out of their possessions. Jimboy Estrada led the charge in the opening minutes which provided Letran the lead, but San Beda was not far behind.
Manalili showcased his crisp passing once again, throwing dimes left and right, always finding the open man. While Letran ran on all cylinders, San Beda struggled to obtain any sort of momentum.
Come the second quarter, the Red Lions pushed the pace as Agjanti Miller scored basket after basket which quickly chipped away at Letran’s lead. Both teams traded blows but the contest remained close until halftime, with San Beda only managing a three point advantage to enter the third period, 46-49.
In the second frame, San Beda’s three ball consistently gave Letran problems as the Knights struggled to close out on shooters. Miller continued to terrorize Letran’s defense, utilizing his speed to complete fastbreak layups paired with his sharpshooting from deep.
The tandem of Manalili and Kevin Santos kept Letran afloat after being down by as much as 13 points, with Manalili’s slashing ability and Santos’ elite finishing around the rim, they carried the offense for the Knights. As the quarter ended, the Knights were able to claw their way back up, tying the game at 70 apiece to enter the fourth period.
Patient offense along with suffocating defense was crucial to keep the Red Lions at bay in the final quarter. Manalili stayed hot as he toyed with San Beda’s defense and hit consecutive baskets. Miller did not shy away from the challenge however, as he singlehandedly carried San Beda’s offense throughout the fourth, keeping the Red Lions within striking distance.
The match was close until the final minutes, but it was Manalili once again who came through for the Knights. As he sank clutch lay ups, the star guard slowly closed the doors on San Beda’s hopes of a comeback.
Miller led the scoring for San Beda, tallying 34 points. Jimuel Reyes chipped in with 12 points and four assists, while Yukien Andrada scored eight points along with two assists.
QUARTERSCORES: 26-21, 46-49, 70-70, 87-83.
CSJL (87) - Manalili 26, Santos 14, Cuajao 10, Roque 10, Estrada 9, Omega 8, Gammad 5, Buensalida 2, Alejandro 2, Tapenio 1.
SBU (83) - Miller 34, Reyes 12, Andrada 8, Gonzales 6, Estacio 6, Calimag 5, Culdora 4, Bonzalida 3, Celzo 2, Lina 2, Etulle 1.