At A Glance
- Titing Manalili took charge in crunch time as he steered Letran past reigning champion Mapua in overtime, 85-82, to go four in a row in the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City Tuesday, Oct. 21.
(NCAA Images)
Titing Manalili took charge in crunch time as he steered Letran past reigning champion Mapua in overtime, 85-82, to go four in a row in the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City Tuesday, Oct. 21.
Manalili shone bright in the fourth quarter and delivered when it mattered most in the extension where he orchestrated the Knights' offense -- including crucial assists to Kevin Santos-- to hold off Clint Escamis and Cardinals and keep their hot streak going.
Letran finally found its groove and has now improved to 4-3 for the solo third spot in Group B.
Mapua, on the other hand, settled for a 3-3 tally to tie with Arellano in Group A.
"Palagi ko lang pinapaalala sa kanila na nanalo man tayo, tapos na ‘to. Move tayo sa next kalaban," Manalili said.
"Hindi dito natatapos. Hindi natin dito masusukat kung tayo na ‘yung magcha-champion," he added.
Manalili starred with a double-double effort of 14 points and 10 assists which went with six rebounds and one steal, while Jimboy Estrada, Santos, and Aaron Buensalida added 20, 17, and 16 points, respectively.
Escamis, for his part, collected 14 points, five assists and two steals, while Cyrus Nitura and Cyril Gonzales chipped in 19 and 17 points in a losing cause.
The scores:
LETRAN 85 – Estrada 20, Santos 17, Buensalida 16, Manalili 14, Cuajao 9, Omega 4, Gammad 3, Rosilio 2, Yusi 0, Gazzingan 0
MAPÚA 82 – Nitura 19, Gonzales 17, Escamis 14, Cuenco 10, Sapasap 9, Delos Reyes 7, Recto 4, Concepcion 2, Igliane 0, Lazarte 0, Gulapa 0
Quarter scores: 25-12, 41-38, 53-62, 78-78 (reg.), 85-82 (OT)