5 days ago
Letran beats San Beda for top spot in Filoil's NCAA bracket
Colegio de San Juan de Letran took the top spot of the NCAA bracket in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason tournament after beating rival San Beda University, 75-68, on Wednesday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
The Red Lions were trailing 69-66 with 1:48 remaining in the fourth period before back-to-back baskets from Peter Rosilio and Mark Denver Omega extended the Knights' margin with 40 seconds left. Jimboy Estrada's free throws eventually sealed the victory despite Zedjay Etulle's late basket for the Mendiola crew.
Estrada waxed hot from the field as he had a perfect 11-of-11 two-pointers on top of four rebounds to build 24 points, while Titing Manalili had 15 points, seven assists, and two rebounds as the Intramuros crew finished the elimination round with an 8-1 record.
"Ang mahalaga sa'min, get as much experience as we can, get as many wins as we can, para madala namin sa NCAA," said head coach Allen Ricardo.
Jomel Puno led the Red Lions with 17 points, five rebounds, and an assist, while Yukien Andrada and Nygel Gonzales had 12 points each in the San Beda loss.
Earlier, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde defeated Lyceum of the Philippines University, 100-93, to also finish with an 8-1 record.
However, by virtue of Letran's head-to-head victory against Benilde, the Knights clinched the top spot and will face National University in the quarterfinals set on Friday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
