Colegio de San Juan de Letran faced a tough test, but still emerged victorious, 97-89, against the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to stay perfect in the NCAA Season 98 juniors basketball tournament on Wednesday.
16-year-old Andy Gemao finished with 25 points, four rebounds, three steals, and one assist to lead Letran while Timothy Cruz and George Diamante provided the lift with 13 markers apiece.
Letran picked up its its fourth win in as many games while Perpetual dropped to an even 2-2 slate.
The Squires were able to build a 15-point lead late in the third, 83-68, before Cristian Vergara ignited for back-to-back baskets as the Junior ALTAs trailed by 13 before the fourth, 85-72.
During that third quarter, Gemao carried the load for Letran as they kept Perpetual at bay.
With Icee Callangan heating up from long range with two consecutive triples, Perpetual pulled to within four, 91-87, before Jonathan Manalili's crucial basket and Jovel Baliling's three-point play gave Letran another double-digit cushion, 97-87.
Letran, who earlier defeated San Sebastian, San Beda, and EAC, will next face slumping Arellano University while Perpetual will look to bounce back against EAC.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
