Kevin Santos picked up where he left off while Jimboy Estrada was in his usual element as Colegio de San Juan de Letran pulled away late against Lyceum of the Philippines University, 78-65, in the NCAA Season 100 on Saturday.
The bruiser-guard duo starred the whole game and on both ends as the Knights capped off their first round run at 6-3 while the Pirates slipped to a 4-5 card.
Santos, who was coming off a career-high against San Beda, dropped a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds while also grabbing three blocks and two assists while Estrada churned out 19 markers, seven dimes, and five boards.
“Kanina sabi ko sa mga bata sa halftime, kailangan natin ng momentum so multiple stops,” Letran head coach Allen Ricardo said.
Knowing how inspired the Pirates were after their gutsy win over Perpetual last Wednesday, the Knights knew they had to bring it all out— and that’s what they did, especially in the second half.
Kobe Monje made his presence felt in the third, draining back-to-back baskets as the Knights ended the frame enjoying a 57-47 lead despite a scoring spree from John Barba. That stretch also saw them turn a 42-38 halftime lead to a 10-point cushion.
Deo Cuajao scored his first basket of the game after sending Letran to a 66-58 lead while Estrada, who was saddled with four fouls, returned and converted a jumper followed by a triple from Nat Montecillo for a 71-60 lead.
Estrada and Santos then made sure to put the finishing kick with the former burying a three-pointer and two consecutive free throws while the latter got an and-one to seal the deal.
Monje tallied 11 points and three rebounds while Montecillo and returning Pao Javillonar chipped in nine markers apiece.
Barba fell short of surpassing his previous career-high of 28 points, collecting 24 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and one assist while Renz Villegas added 14 markers and three boards.
Scores:
Letran 78 - Estrada 19, Santos 17, Monje 11, Montecillo 9, Javillonar 9, Miller 8, Nunag 3, Cuajao 2, Delfino 0, Jumao-As 0, Baliling 0.
LPU 66 - Barba 24, Villegas 14, Daileg 9, Montaño 6, Moralejo 4, Paulo 3, Aviles 2, Peñafiel 2, Panelo 2, Cunanan 0, Gordon 0, Pallingayan 0, Caduyac 0.
Quarters: 22-18, 42-38, 57-47, 78-66.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
