MANILA — Colegio de San Juan de Letran unleashed a decisive 10-0 closing run to overturn a late six-point deficit and eliminate the University of Perpetual Help Altas, 74-70, securing a return trip to the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball Finals in their Final Four showdown at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Trailing 64-70 with just over four minutes left, the Knights mounted a furious rally sparked by Kevin Santos’ inside basket, followed by a momentum-shifting three-point play from Jonathan Manalili. Johnsherick Estrada then drilled a clutch three-pointer to push Letran ahead, 72-70.
The Altas had multiple chances to force a tie but faltered in the endgame, allowing the Knights to ice the game with two pressure-packed free throws from Jun Roque. The victory completed Letran’s 2-0 sweep of the best-of-three semifinals.
Manalili powered the Knights with a double-double performance of 16 points and 14 assists, while Estrada added 14 markers in the gritty win.
“I’m thankful and grateful for this opportunity to lead the team in bringing back Letran in the Season 101 championship,” said Knights head coach Allen Ricardo.
“It’s the three things: know your purpose, know your impact, and know your consequence. On and off the court ‘yan, lagi ko rine-remind sa kanila every now and then. We need to live with our purpose, consequence, and impact in life,” he added.
Patrick Sleat paced Perpetual Help with 17 points, followed by Mark Gojo Cruz with 15. John Cedrick Abis capped his NCAA career with a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Letran now awaits the winner of the other semifinal pairing between the San Beda University Red Lions and the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde Blazers./PN
BOX SCORE:
LETRAN 74 – Manalili 16, Estrada 14, Roque 9, Cuajao 9, Omega 7, Buensalida 7, Santos 6, Gammad 5, Tapenio 4, Montecillo 0.
PERPETUAL HELP 70 – Sleat 17, Gojo Cruz 15, Abis 10, Orgo 7, Nunez 6, Boral 5, Tulabut 3, Alcantara 3, Casinillo 2, Maglupay 2.
Quarter scores: 18-15, 39-42, 54-64, 74-70.
