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Squires grateful for Alas visit

Sports | Basketball

Squires grateful for Alas visit

By Mark Rey Montejo

At A Glance

Titing Manalili and the Letran Squires drew inspiration from the presence of PBA star Kevin Alas who visited the team before their convincing 97-80 win over the title favorite Perpetual in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 99 juniors basketball at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City last Saturday, March 16.

Titing Manalili and the Letran Squires drew inspiration from the presence of PBA star Kevin Alas who visited the team before their convincing 97-80 win over the title favorite Perpetual in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 99 juniors basketball at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City last Saturday, March 16.

7. CSJL TITING MANALILI.jpg — Titing Manalili of the Letran Squires (NCAA Images)

With Alas, a proud Letran product, providing the pre-game talk, the Squires dominated on both ends of the floor and seized a 20-point lead in the final frame, 83-63, while also forcing the Junior Altas to 19 turnovers.

Manalili, 19, who had a splendid all-around effort, credited Alas’ message that served as the spark for the team in the spectacular showing.

"Sinasabi sa amin ni kuya Kevin Alas na relax lang kami and antayin namin na ‘yung laro ‘yung pupunta o lalapit sa amin," said Manalili.

Indeed, the rising star from Cebu City tallied a near triple-double and a career-high of 35 points on top of nine rebounds, nine assists and four steals.

Manalili's scoring output was also the highest for any player this season which made it sweeter for the whole Letran squad which inched closer to the juniors crown.

Alas visited the team’s practice alongside former Letran stars Mark Andaya, JP Calvo, King Caralipio, and Mark Cruz, among others.

Game Two of the finals will be on Wednesday, March 20, at the same venue.

Related Tags

Kevin Alas NCAA Season 99 Letran Squires

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