MANILA, Philippines — College of San Juan de Letran prevailed over the pesky Jose Rizal University (JRU), 70-66, in the crossover round of the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Thursday night at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Letran Knights improved to a 5-3 win-loss record, tied with Arellano University in Group B, while the JRU Heavy Bombers tallied a 6-2 card, tied with College of Saint Benilde in Group B.
Chad Gammad led the scoring for the Knights after chipping in 21 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Denzil Walker and Kevin Santos backed him up with 11 and 10 markers, apiece.
Letran led as much by 14 points, 47-33, but the FilOil EcoOil pre-season went all out in the second half and trimmed the lead to just two, 67-65, in the fourth quarter.
However, the Knights continued to remain composed to escape with a 70-66 victory.
“Despite Titing Manalili not playing, I know the boys are working really hard, and they worked as a team; they found their rhythm, and we managed to handle the pressure,” Ricardo told the media during the post-game presser.
JRU was led by Lawrence Mangubat’s 18 points, while Sean Salvador and Jay Garupil added 11 and eight points, each.
Letran’s lead player Manalili, is set to return in November as he sustained a right knee injury on Tuesday against Lyceum.
