MANILA — Colegio de San Juan de Letran showed its poise when it mattered most, unleashing a decisive late-game run to turn back University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 84-77, and launch its NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball “redemption season” on a winning note Sunday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Trailing 71-72 in the closing minutes, the Knights responded with a 9-3 surge capped by Moses Manalili’s floater that stretched their advantage to 81-74 with 43.7 seconds remaining, effectively shutting the door on the Altas.
The victory gave the Season 101 finalists an early 1-0 lead in Group B and another triumph over a Perpetual Help squad they eliminated in last season’s semifinals.
Johnsherick Estrada spearheaded Letran’s backcourt with 18 points, six assists and four rebounds as the graduating guard stressed the Knights’ determination to make amends this season.
“Itong season na ‘to, ito ‘yong redemption na sinasabi namin at ni coach Allen (Ricardo),” Estrada said.
“Sabi sa’min ni coach Allen no’ng dikit ‘yong laro na maging composed lang kami. Kailangan namin maovercome ‘yon kasi first game ’to,” he added.
Denzil Walker led the Knights in scoring with 21 points, while Kevin Santos came close to a double-double with 15 points and eight rebounds.
Manalili also delivered an all-around performance with 12 points and eight assists, including the crucial floater that helped Letran pull away in the final minute.
Jan Pagulayan paced Perpetual Help with 18 points, while Angelo Gelsano posted a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. L.A. Casinillo added 11 points in the losing effort.
Meanwhile, College of St. Benilde opened its campaign with an early statement, stunning defending champion San Beda University, 77-68, despite playing without reigning Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag.
Jhomel Ancheta powered the Blazers with 19 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block, while Matthew Jucom contributed 18 points.
Negrense forwards Irele Galas and Raffy Celis also provided valuable offensive support with 12 and 11 points, respectively, as St. Benilde seized a 1-0 record in Group A./PN
