Colegio de San Juan de Letran had to suffer a dismissal first half before moving on cusp of winning the NCAA juniors title, rallying past Benilde-La Salle Green Hills in a hard-fought 85-81 comeback victory.

Ethan Elian caught fire in the latter part of the opening period for the Greenies after drilling back-to-back treys. He then followed it up with a long two to lead all scorers with 10 points and pushed the Greenies’ lead to five to end the first frame, 17-22.

La Salle Green Hills’ lead ballooned to as high as 12 in the first half. The Squires were able to contain Luis Pablo, one of the Greenies’ twin towers, to a scoreless second quarter. The Intramuros-based squad flared a 13-5 run courtesy of Andy Gemao and Syrex Silorio’s presence on both ends of the court to erase the huge margin. However, Ethan Alian stepped up to the plate and helped the Greenies maintain a slim 41-44 lead to close the first half.

In the third quarter, Silorio and George Diamante provided the spark for the Greenies. The tandem combined for 15 crucial points to take over the lead from La Salle Green Hills before going to the payoff period, 65-64.

Letran’s outside shooting started to fall in the fourth after experiencing a drought in the first half. Prolific high-flyer and national team player Andy Gemao came alive and was relentless in offense, scoring off from downtown and throwing down on fastbreaks. Letran was leading 82-76 before the last two minutes' warning when Silorio drilled a dagger from the perimeter.

Letran moved a win away from the NCAA Season 98 juniors basketball crown but head coach Allen Ricardo looked far from satisfied.

“Meron pa tayong unfinished business and at the same time medyo, again, hindi perfect yung game but gusto ko ring ma-correct yung mga decision making nila especially on the latter part,” Ricardo said as he takes his sights on game two.

Silorio, the best player of the game, tallied 27 markers along with seven boards and three dimes.