MANILA — Letran leaned on its defensive resolve and timely baskets to escape Jose Rizal University, 70-66, and snap the Heavy Bombers’ four-game winning streak in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball action Thursday at San Juan Arena.
Playing without injured playmaker Titing Manalili, the Knights showed enough depth to improve to 5-3 in Group B, while JRU fell to 6-2 in Group A.
Aaron Buensalida said the team refused to use Manalili’s absence as an excuse, with the rest of the squad stepping up, including players coming off the bench.
“Our key point, aside from our offense, was our defense. That was the biggest factor in this win,” Buensalida said.
Letran trailed 58-57 in the fourth quarter before launching a decisive 6-1 run. Denzil Walker capped the surge with a short stab, putting the Knights ahead, 64-58, with 5:31 remaining.
JRU threatened late, cutting the gap to 67-65 on Jay Garupil’s basket with 3:03 left. But Nat Montecillo split his free throws with 17 seconds remaining to give Letran a three-point cushion.
The Heavy Bombers turned to Chris Hubilla for a potential game-tying three-pointer in the closing seconds, but the attempt missed as Letran held on.
Chad Gammad led the Knights with 21 points, including four three-pointers. Walker added 11 points, while Kevin Santos contributed 10.
JRU’s Mangubat finished with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Sean Salvador chipped in 11.
The scores:
CSJL 70 – Gammad 21, Walker 11, Santos 10, Buensalida 8, Montecillo 8, Cargo 5, Reyes 3, Estrada 2, Hugo 2, Villanueva 0
JRU 66 – Mangubat 18, Salvador 11, Garupil 8, Panapanaan 6, Hubilla 5, Eligado 4, Penaverde 3, Duque 3, Garcia 2, Palis 2, Masiglat 2, Laurenaria 2, Herrera 0
Quarter scores: 20-19, 41-33, 54-52, 70-66 (Rey Nillama)
