Not today, said the defending champions.
Colegio de San Juan de Letran took care of business, avenging its first round loss to Arellano University with a 65-53 win on Friday in the NCAA Season 98.
It didn't come without a scare, as back-to-back baskets from Arellano rookie Cade Flores, highlighted by a one-handed slam, pulled the Chiefs to within two, 55-53, with 1:42 left in the clock.
But with a sense of urgency, Letran shut the door with a quick 10-0 closing run led by Brent Paraiso.
Letran improved to 8-3 with a fifth consecutive victory while Arellano absorbed its third loss in a row to slide to 4-6.
King Caralipio led Letran with 13 points and 13 rebounds while Fran Yu posted 12 markers alongside six rebounds and five assists in the win. Paraiso finished with 10 points, including six in the fourth quarter.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, were led by Flores, who tallied 15 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and a block.
Arellano stepped on the gas early, leading for most of the first half as Danielle Mallari and Axel Doromal led the Chiefs' offense as they ended the first two quarters up, 33-26.
But Letran found its groove back in the third, outscoring Arellano, 17 to six, with their backcourt gunners taking over.
The Knights never looked back since then.
Letran will next face San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Sunday while Arellano takes on Jose Rizal University on the same day.
The scores:
Letran 65 - Caralipio 13, Yu 12, Paraiso 10, Reyson 8, Javillonar 7, Sangalang 6, Santos 4, Monje 2, Olivario 2, Ariar 1, Tolentino 0, Go 0, Guarino 0.
Arellano 53 - Flores 15, Abastillas 8, Mallari 7, Doromal 6, Menina 5, Oliva 4, Oftana 3, Mantua 3, Sunga 2, Tolentino 0, Talampas 0.
Quarters: 14-15, 26-33, 43-39, 65-53.
—JMB, GMA News
