MANILA – Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights got back to their winning ways in NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball after a 78-65 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
Johnsherick Estrada led the way with 19 points, Kevin Santos added a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Kobe Monje contributed 11 markers as the Knights improved to a 6-3 win-loss slate.
From a slim 42-38 lead at the half, the Knights started to create separation in the third period behind the tandem of Estrada and Santos as they established a 57-47 advantage.
Despite the Pirates’ attempt to bounce back in the fourth quarter, the Knights managed to extend their lead to as high as 15 points in the dying minutes at 78-63 on a basket by Nathaniel Montecillo.
“This is a good win for us, so as a reward, we’re going to take a break tomorrow (Sunday) and resume Monday and we’ll scout Tuesday,” said Letran head coach Allen Ricardo.
John Barba top-scored for the Pirates with 24 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, while Renz Villegas contributed 14 markers as they dropped to a 4-5 win-loss card.
Meanwhile, San Beda University Red Lions overcame a late run by University of Perpetual Help Altas for a 63-62.
Leading by as many as 11 points at 60-49, the Red Lions saw their lead cut to 63-62 via a 13-3 scoring blast from the Altas with over a minute left in the game.
The Altas still had a chance to snatch the victory after a turnover by Red Lions’ Oliver Tagle, but the three-point attempt of Perpetual Help’s JP Boral bounced off the side of the rim as time expired.
Jomel Puno spearheaded the attack with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Yukien Andrada and RC Calimag added 11 and 10 markers, respectively, as they improved to a 5-3 win-loss slate./PN
