Knights Improve to 5-3 with Hard-Fought Victory Over JRU
Letran recovered from an overtime heartbreak by defeating JRU, 70-66, in another tight NCAA Season 102 basketball battle. The Knights improved to 5-3 despite missing Titing Manalili while ending the Heavy Bombers’ four-game winning streak.
Letran Bounces Back From Mapúa Overtime Loss
Joaquin Cortez of Tiebreaker Times covered Letran’s bounce-back victory Thursday against JRU at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. The Knights entered after suffering a two-point overtime defeat against Mapúa during their previous NCAA Season 102 assignment.
Letran played without Manalili for a second consecutive game as the guard continued recovering from his knee injury. The victory moved the Knights to 5-3, drawing them level with Arellano atop the Group B standings.
“Of course, I am happy na kahit wala si [Manalili], nakaka-execute na ang mga guards namin. Pag naaalis sila, nasusunod pa rin ang gusto kong mangyari offensively, defensively, and I am happy with that,” said Letran head coach Allen Ricardo.
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Knights Execute Without Injured Manalili
Ricardo praised Letran’s remaining guards for maintaining the team’s intended offensive and defensive execution during Manalili’s continued absence. Manalili missed his second straight contest, leaving the Knights without their established guard against a JRU squad riding four victories.
Chad Gammad Leads Letran With 21 Points
Chad Gammad led Letran with 21 points, producing most of his scoring before halftime against the Heavy Bombers. Seventeen points came during the opening two quarters as the Knights established a 41-33 advantage entering the halftime break.
Denzil Walker contributed 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists, providing additional production during Letran’s four-point victory. Kevin Santos added another 10 points, giving the Knights three double-digit scorers despite playing without Manalili for another game.
Gammad Scores 17 Before Halftime
Gammad scored 17 of his 21 points during the first half as Letran built an eight-point halftime advantage. His early scoring included the majority of his final offensive production before the Knights faced JRU’s second-half comeback attempt.
JRU Erases Letran’s 14-Point Second-Half Lead
Aaron Buensalida and Nat Montecillo connected on consecutive three-pointers, extending Letran’s advantage to 47-33 early in the second half. JRU answered with a 19-6 run, reducing the Knights’ 14-point advantage to 53-52 during the third quarter.
The Heavy Bombers eventually reclaimed their first lead since the opening period when Ivan Panapanaan connected with Sean Salvador. Salvador’s basket placed JRU ahead, 58-57, before Letran answered with six consecutive points to regain control at 64-58.
Knights Answer After Heavy Bombers Take Lead
JRU moved ahead by one point after erasing Letran’s 14-point advantage during its extended second-half comeback attempt. Letran responded immediately with six unanswered points, including Buensalida’s layup, to establish another six-point advantage during the fourth quarter.
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Buensalida Helps Letran Survive JRU’s Late Rally
Jay Mangupil brought JRU within 67-65 on a layup with 2:49 remaining, keeping the Heavy Bombers within one possession. Buensalida later pressured Mangupil into a turnover with 23 seconds remaining as JRU pursued another opportunity to equalize.
Montecillo subsequently split two free throws before Lawrene Mangubat found Chris Hubilla open in the right corner for three. Hubilla missed the potential game-tying attempt, and Letran completed its 70-66 victory from the free-throw line afterward.
Hubilla Misses Potential Game-Tying Three
Hubilla finished with five points on 2-of-8 shooting after previously producing a season-high performance against Emilio Aguinaldo College. Mangubat paced JRU with 18 points and eight assists, while Salvador contributed 11 points and four assists during the defeat.
Letran Moves Into Tie Atop Group B Standings
Letran improved to 5-3 and joined Arellano atop Group B after recovering from its previous overtime defeat against Mapúa. JRU fell to 6-2, ending its four-game winning streak and missing an opportunity to take sole possession of Group A.
The Heavy Bombers could have moved alone atop their group following Benilde’s loss against Emilio Aguinaldo College earlier. Ricardo emphasized Letran’s need to build toward the postseason with only six games remaining on the Knights’ schedule.
“We needed this win kasi we only have six games. So, we’re thinking one game at a time, but we really needed this win para makuha namin ‘yung tamang peak going to the playoffs,” he added.
Letran and JRU Return October 20
Letran next faces College of Saint Benilde on October 20 as the Knights continue their Group B campaign. JRU returns later that same day against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Analytical Breakdown: Letran Showed Its Backcourt Depth
Letran’s ability to execute without Manalili strengthens its backcourt depth while reducing dependence on one primary playmaking option. Buensalida’s late defensive pressure proved decisive because forcing turnovers becomes especially valuable when tight games offer limited scoring possessions. Gammad’s first-half scoring created the cushion Letran ultimately needed to withstand JRU’s aggressive comeback and secure an important victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Letran versus JRU NCAA game?
Letran defeated JRU, 70-66, to improve to 5-3 during the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament.
How many points did Chad Gammad score?
Gammad scored 21 points for Letran, including 17 during the opening half of the Knights’ four-point victory.
Why did Titing Manalili miss the JRU game?
Manalili missed his second consecutive game while continuing to recover from a knee injury sustained before Letran’s recent contests.
What are Letran and JRU’s records?
Letran improved to 5-3 in Group B, while JRU dropped to 6-2 after its four-game winning streak ended.
Who will Letran and JRU play next?
Letran faces Benilde on October 20, while JRU meets Perpetual later that day at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from SPIN.ph.
