Jhuniel Dela Rama dazzled on both ends to help Colegio de San Juan de Letran hack out an 80-72 win over Arellano University to extend their winning streak in the NCAA Season 100 juniors basketball tournament on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The sophomore forward posted yet another double-double effort of 17 points and 12 rebounds to go with one block as the Squires captured their fifth win in a row for a 6-2 win-loss record.
The Braves, meanwhile, absorbed their fourth loss in the last five games to drop to 3-5.
Holding just a 51-46 lead at halftime, the three-peat seeking Squires turned to Dela Rama in their third quarter barrage, which saw them open the period with a pivotal 11-2 run for a 62-48 lead.
But the Braves displayed courage against the defending champions with Johnray Ladica and Laurence Pillas cutting the deficit to seven midway through the fourth, 61-68.
Dela Rama then subbed in late to provide energy and stability on the court, draining back-to-back baskets that sent Letran to a 76-64 cushion in the final 1:55 before a pair of free throws from him sealed it for the Squires.
Dela Rama's all-around performance allowed Letran to salvage a victory despite cold offense from usual suspects Daniel Padilla and Syrex Silorio, who were both limited to two points each amid the pesky Arellano defense.
Letran now sets its sight on its finals rematch with equally-streaking University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Monday at 4 p.m. in the same venue.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
