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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider Knights thwart Altas, inch closer to NCAA Finals

Knights thwart Altas, inch closer to NCAA Finals

Published Dec 2, 2025 02:19 pm

At A Glance

  • Letran weathered Perpetual's late storm to carve out a 77-73 win and draw first blood in their best-of-three semifinal duel in the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Titing Manalili steers Letran closer to NCAA Season 101 Finals. (GMA/NCAA Images)
Titing Manalili steers Letran closer to NCAA Season 101 Finals. (GMA/NCAA Images)
Letran weathered Perpetual’s late storm to carve out a 77-73 win and draw first blood in their best-of-three semifinal duel in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday, Dec. 2.
After erecting a 19-point lead, 43-24, capped by Deo Cuajao’s triple in the second frame, the Knights briefly lost their rhythm in the following minutes but managed to keep the Altas at bay, especially in the payoff period where Titing Manalili and Jimboy Estrada took over.
Manalili’s spectacular semis debut for Letran was surely a fitting one as the Intramuros-based squad moved closer to the finale as they go for the kill this Friday, Dec. 5, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The versatile 6-foot playmaker shone as he collected 15 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and six steals, while Estrada, who scored five of his 15 points in the waning minutes, also tallied one rebound, two assists, and one steal.
Despite the victory, Estrada seeks a better performance from Letran, which is eager to reclaim the crown it last held in Season 98.
“Para sa akin, palaging may kulang kaya meron kami laging tinatrabaho sa practice. Laging may kulang. Kailangan namin bawasan ‘yong turnovers, decision making at fouls namin,” said Estrada.
“Walang aalis ng bangka. Nagsimula kami ng magkasama kami, matatapos kami ng magkakasama,” he added.
Starring as well for the Knights were Chad Gammad and Deo Cuajao who chipped in 11 and nine points, respectively. Kevin Santos, for his part, had a quiet six points but posted 10 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Patrick Sleat paced the Altas with 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, and one block, while John Abis logged 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and three steals.
JP Boral and Mark Gojo Cruz added 11 and 10 points in a losing cause.
Meanwhile, San Beda got off to a rousing start and mauled College of St. Benilde with a fourth-quarter rally, 91-72, to take the upper hand in their semis showdown.
Agjanti Miller waxed hot and scored 29 points that went with nine rebounds, and one assist, while Bryan Sajonia backed him up with 26 points on top of five rebounds, three assists, and one steal to help the Red Lions bolster their Finals return bid.
Ian Torres tried to carry the Blazers with 18 points, while Shawn Umali and Justine Sanchez chipped in 13 and 11, respectively. Reigning MVP Allen Liwag, however, endured a lethargic shooting night, managing just seven points on 3-of-13 from the field.
The Mendiola-based squad guns for a closer in Game 2 over Benilde also Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The scores (Letran-Perpetual):
LETRAN 77 – Manalili 15, Estrada 15, Gammad 11, Cuajao 9, Santos 6, Buensalida 6, Omega 6, Roque 5, Tapenio 2, Montecillo 2.
PERPETUAL 73 – Sleat 21, Abis 20, Boral 11, Gojo Cruz 10, Tulabut 3, Alcantara 3, Duremdes 2, Gelsano 2, Nuñez 1, Orgo 0, Casinilio 0, Maglupay 0.
Quarters: 26-22, 50-36, 64-56, 77-73.
The scores (San Beda-Benilde):
SAN BEDA 91 – Miller 29, Sajonia 26, Gonzales 11, Andrada 8, Calimag 5, Reyes 4, Lina 2, Celzo 2, Etulle 2, Puno 2, Jamora 0, Bonzalida 0.
ST. BENILDE 72 – Torres 18, Umali 13, Sanchez 11, Ancheta 8, LIwag 7, Ynot 4, Morales 4, Gaspay 3, Cometa 2, Gonzaga 2, Oli 0, Cajucom 0, Eusebio 0, Moore 0.
Quarters: 22-19, 48-37, 65-53, 91-72.
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