MANILA — Colegio de San Juan de Letran punched the last ticket to the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball Final Four after outlasting the Arellano University Chiefs, 77–69, in a knockout showdown at the Playtime FilOil Center in San Juan.
The Knights turned a shaky first quarter into a commanding performance, overcoming a 17–20 deficit with a decisive second-quarter surge that put them ahead, 39–31, at the half. Letran never relinquished control from there, building a 62–54 cushion entering the final period before sealing the win and the semifinals berth.
Johnsherick Estrada spearheaded Letran’s attack with 19 points, while Kevin Santos delivered 15 points and eight rebounds. Jun Roque added 11, and Aaron Buensalida chipped in 10 as the Knights capitalized on Arellano’s collapse despite the Chiefs’ twice-to-beat advantage.
Arellano’s T-Mc Ongotan fired 23 points and Anjord Cabotaje added 18, but their efforts fell short as the Chiefs failed to advance.
Letran now moves on to face the University of Perpetual Help Altas in a best-of-three Final Four series starting December 2.
BLazers also book Final Four return
The College of Saint Benilde Blazers joined the semis cast after eliminating defending champion Mapua Cardinals, 74–72, in another win-or-go-home clash.
Negrense standout Raffy Celis powered Benilde with 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists, controlling the tempo early. Ian Torres added 12 points — including crucial hits in the closing minutes — while Tony Ynot contributed 11.
Benilde dominated the first half, building a 26–17 lead behind Celis’ 13 early points and stretching it to 47–31 at the break following an 11–0 burst capped by two Ynot triples.
Mapua mounted a fierce rally, outscoring Benilde in the third quarter and finally grabbing a 63–62 advantage after a 9–0 run led by Cyrus Cuenco. But the Blazers kept their composure and held on in the final minute to secure the upset.
Recto paced Mapua with 18 points, Cuenco added 17, and Cyril Gonzales tallied 11 in his final NCAA game. Former MVP Clint Escamis wrapped up his collegiate career with three points./PN
