Kevin Santos (#4) took a trip to the charity stripe after line getting fouled in a play. Photo courtesy of Kim Yoshi Espiritu / The LANCE
In a must-win situation, the Letran Knights delivered an emphatic victory against the Arellano Chiefs, 87-78, during the Quarterfinal matchup in the NCAA Season 101 Men’s Basketball Tournament held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre today.
The Intramuros-based squad brushed off the pressure and showed what their team is truly capable of when clarity is reached. They outscored the Chiefs late after their first quarter slump with four cagers nabbing double-digits.
Jimboy Estrada topscored with 22 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Meanwhile, Kevin Santos looked unstoppable in the paint with 20 markers, nine boards, and three blocks.
Jonathan Manalili continued to spread the blueprint of their offense, contributing 15 points while dishing out nine assists.
Basti Valencia and the Chiefs were active in the transition as they gained momentum over the Knights in the opening frame. The gray shirts’ captain racked points from the paint and a corner three to bank an early 10-point lead.
The Knights briefly obtained their first lead in the second from Mark Omega’s charity shots, but was reclaimed by Arellano’s Cabotaje 0.
Deo Cuajao answered with back-to-back threes. Kevin Santos then erupted in the paint for a breakaway slam, helping the team secure the lead at halftime, 48-46.
Their shots started pouring in the third canto as Estrada, Manalili, and Cuajao connive for a 12-point surge. The Legarda-based crew fell off the grid once Letran started boosting in the transition.
Three-consecutive dunks from Santos and Jun Roque near the 5-minute mark of the fourth, put confidence in their side, eventually sealing the deal.
The Knights have a chance to barge in the semifinal cast on Friday, November 28, when they enter the win-or-go-home bout against the Chiefs at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
QUARTER SCORES: 19-27, 48-46, 75-67, 87-78
CSJL (87) - Estrada 22, Santos 20, Manalili 15, Cuajao 11, Omega 9, Buensalida 6, Roque 2, Tapenio 2, Gammad 0, Montecillo 0, Rosilio 0.
AU (78) - Ongotan 18, Cabotaje 11, Valencia 10, Libang 10, Vinoya 9, Camay 8, Demetrio 4, Geronimo 4, Hernal 3, Abiera 1, Borromeo 0, Buenaventura 0.