Letran Squires assert mastery vs. San Sebastian to book finals return trip

Published March 10, 2024 4:52pm

Updated March 10, 2024 4:52pm

Colegio de San Juan de Letran bolstered its bid for back-to-back titles after eking out a 91-77 win against San Sebastian College-Recoletos in their NCAA Season 99 juniors basketball Final Four clash on Sunday.

Holding a twice-to-beat edge, the defending champions Squires made sure to finish the series right away as they arranged a best-of-three championship duel against top seed Perpetual.

The Squires regrouped after a slow first half, which still saw them leading the Staglets by four, 42-38, with seldom used Rex Villanueva pouring in nine points.

Then it was the turn of usual suspects to get the job done.

Graduating Titing Manalili made up for a four-point performance in the first half, exploding for 15 in the second half to finish with 19 points as they pulled away in the fourth quarter and built an 81-61 lead. The 19-year-old capped his stellar outing with 10 assists, six rebounds, and one steal.

The front court duo of Jolo Navarro and Syrex Silorio also asserted their inside dominance with 14 markers apiece while George Diamante listed a double-double of 13 points and 12 boards together with eight dimes, and two blocks.

San Sebastian, though, tried to mount some fightback late in the game with Ruvic Danag and Rion Porcadas sinking crucial baskets. The Squires never looked back to earn a return trip to the finals.

Danag and Jhun Penaverde paced the Staglets with 19 points each. They will take on Mapua University in the battle for third place.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News