MANILA – Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights survived a gritty stand by Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals for a 72-68 triumph in NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
With the Knights protecting a 70-68 lead, the Generals had a golden opportunity to send the match into extension but veteran John Paul Maguliano turned the ball while going for a layup attempt.
The defending champions Knights made sure to seal the victory in the next possession. Kurt Reyson converted his two free throws to widen the lead to 72-68 with three seconds left in the match.
King Caralipio led the way with 16 points, together with seven rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block. The Knights moved to a share of fourth place with San Beda University Red Lions with 6-3 slate.
Brent Paraiso added 15 markers, nine rebounds, two assists and a block, while Reyson bounced back from a scoreless first half to finish with 13 markers for the back-to-back NCAA champs.
“EAC gave us a good game. Tough game actually. Last game namin sa first round, at least na close out and with a win,” said Knights head coach Bonnie Tan.
Allen Liwag finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block, while Adam Doria had 16 points as the Generals suffered their eighth defeat in as many matches.
The Red Lions, meanwhile, ended the first round of tournament on a high note following a wire-to-wire 71-52 domination over the slumping University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas.
The Red Lions were on fire in the opening quarter as they established a 25-11 lead, which later grew to as high as 22 points at 67-45 following James Kwekuteye’s two free throws in the fourth quarter.
JB Bahio led the Red Lions with 16 points, eight rebounds, and a block, Kwekuteye contributed a double-double with 12 markers and 22 boards, while Justine Sanchez also scored 12 points.
BOX SCORE:
LETRAN 72 — Caralipio 16, Paraiso 15, Reyson 13, Yu 7, Monje 6, Javillonar 5, Santos 4, Sangalang 2, Olivario 2, Go 2, Bautista 0, Guarino 0.
EAC 68 — Liwag 20, Ad. Doria 16, Balowa 15, Bajon 6, Maguliano 6, Cosejo 4, Angeles 1, Luciano 0, Quinal 0, An. Doria 0, Umpad 0, Bacud 0, Dominguez 0.
Quarterscores: 28-18, 43-37, 58-54, 72-68./PN
