MANILA — Negrense rookie Justin Cargo delivered a breakout 22-point performance as Colegio de San Juan de Letran pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat Emilio Aguinaldo College, 91-80, and preserve its unbeaten record in Group B of the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Thursday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Cargo, who also collected three rebounds and two steals, spearheaded the Knights as they improved to a perfect 3-0 while dealing the Generals their third consecutive defeat.
Locked in a 61-all stalemate entering the payoff period, Letran seized control with a decisive 10-0 run capped by Kevin Santos’ jam at the 7:48 mark for a 71-61 advantage.
The Knights never relinquished command from there, keeping EAC from mounting a serious comeback down the stretch.
For Cargo, however, his career-best offensive showing was secondary to fulfilling his role on defense and providing energy for the Knights.
“‘Yong role ko sa team ay sa depensa tsaka hustle. Wala naman akong pake sa score, e. Gagawin ko lang kung ano ‘yong maitulong ko sa team at tinrabaho ko lang,” he said. “Kailangan din namin ‘yong maturity pero ako nageextra shooting ako.”
Jimboy Estrada provided 15 points for Letran, while Santos registered a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Titing Manalili finished with only seven points but orchestrated the Knights’ offense with a game-high 14 assists.
MJ Raymundo and Jacob Shanoda paced EAC with 15 points apiece, while Jude Bagay contributed 13. Wilmar Oftana posted a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Meanwhile, San Beda University returned to winning form in Group A with an 83-74 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University.
The Red Lions improved to 1-1, while the Pirates slipped to 1-2.
Dan Marcelo led San Beda with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Jimuel Reyes added 15 points.
Lawrence Hawkins delivered an all-around effort with 13 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Jomel Puno chipped in 11 points./PN
