Perimeter Shooting Powers Letran to 91-77 NCAA Victory
Letran defeated Arellano, 91-77, securing Group B’s top seed and a twice-to-beat advantage in the NCAA Season 102 quarterfinals. The Knights seized control through a dominant second quarter, building a 23-point halftime lead behind their perimeter shooting.
Letran Breaks Game Open With 19-2 Run
Luisa Morales of One Sports chronicled Letran’s decisive Thursday victory over Arellano at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan. The Knights led 25-19 after the opening quarter before outscoring the Chiefs, 33-16, during the decisive second period.
Letran transformed a five-point advantage through a 19-2 run featuring five consecutive three-pointers during the second quarter. That surge produced a 46-24 lead with 4:55 remaining before halftime, placing the Knights firmly in control.
Image from: GMA Network
Five Straight Triples Fuel Second Quarter
Chad Gammad later added another three-pointer as Letran entered halftime holding a commanding 58-35 advantage over Arellano. The Knights scored 33 second-quarter points after producing 25 during the opening frame of their eventual 14-point victory.
Jimboy Estrada Leads Knights With 25 Points
Jimboy Estrada scored 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting while making five of eight attempts from three-point range. He added four rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks during Letran’s fourth consecutive victory.
Justin Cargo contributed 15 points, while Gammad scored 12 as five Letran players reached double figures against Arellano. Kevin Santos, Aaron Buensalida, and Denzil Sison-Walker each added 10 points to the Knights’ balanced scoring effort.
Estrada Credits Preparation After First-Round Loss
Estrada said Letran entered the rematch determined to respond after Arellano defeated the Knights, 82-81, during their first meeting. His comments also emphasized defensive preparation as Letran reversed that one-point defeat with a convincing 14-point victory.
“Tinalo nila kami ng first round. Nagusap usap kami na kailangan namin makabawi. Kailangan namin ibigay yung best namin sa depensa at saka ayun nga, itong [panalo namin] pinagpractice-an naman namin.”
Letran Clinches Twice-to-Beat Quarterfinal Edge
The victory improved Letran to 8-3 and secured Group B’s top seed with two group-stage assignments still remaining. Letran also became the first NCAA Season 102 team to clinch a twice-to-beat advantage entering the quarterfinal round.
That format requires Letran to win once during its quarterfinal matchup, while its lower-seeded opponent must defeat the Knights twice. The advantage rewards Letran’s Group B performance after the Knights won eight of their first 11 tournament games.
Knights Secure Group B’s Top Position
Letran’s victory guaranteed first place in Group B after extending its winning streak to four consecutive NCAA Season 102 games. The Knights entered the Arellano rematch following victories against JRU, Benilde, and San Sebastian during their ongoing winning run.
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Arellano Falls to 5-6 After Letran Defeat
Arellano dropped to 5-6 after allowing Letran to establish a 58-35 advantage before the teams returned for halftime. Renzo Abiera led the Chiefs with 20 points, while King Vinoya contributed 12 during their sixth tournament defeat.
Ernest Geronimo added 11 points for Arellano, which entered the game seeking another victory over Letran this season. The Chiefs had defeated the Knights, 82-81, during their first-round encounter before absorbing the 14-point rematch loss.
Renzo Abiera Leads Chiefs With 20 Points
Abiera’s 20 points represented Arellano’s highest individual scoring total, while Vinoya and Geronimo also reached double figures. Arellano remained 5-6 following the defeat, leaving the Chiefs behind Letran in the Group B standings.
Letran Takes Four-Game Streak Into EAC Matchup
Letran will return against Emilio Aguinaldo College on November 5 at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan. The Knights enter that matchup with an 8-3 record after securing their quarterfinal advantage before completing group play.
Arellano returns earlier against San Sebastian on November 3 at the same venue following Thursday’s defeat against Letran. The Chiefs will carry their 5-6 record into that matchup while continuing their NCAA Season 102 Group B campaign.
Upcoming Games Continue Group B Schedule
Letran faces EAC on November 5 after already securing Group B’s top seed and twice-to-beat quarterfinal advantage. Arellano meets San Sebastian two days earlier as the Chiefs continue their remaining group-stage schedule following Letran’s 91-77 victory.
Analytical Breakdown: Letran’s Shooting Run Breaks Game Open
Letran’s five consecutive triples transformed a five-point advantage into the decisive separation during its 19-2 second-quarter scoring run. Estrada’s 25 points and three steals reflected his influence across both ends during Letran’s fourth consecutive tournament victory. Securing the twice-to-beat advantage gives Letran valuable quarterfinal protection after its 8-3 record established Group B’s top position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Letran secure a twice-to-beat advantage?
Letran secured Group B’s top seed and a twice-to-beat advantage after defeating Arellano during NCAA Season 102.
What was the final score between Letran and Arellano?
Letran defeated Arellano, 91-77, during their NCAA Season 102 Group B matchup at the Playtime FilOil Centre.
How many points did Jimboy Estrada score?
Estrada scored 25 points while adding four rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks against Arellano.
How did Letran take control against Arellano?
Letran produced a 19-2 second-quarter run featuring five consecutive three-pointers before establishing a commanding 23-point halftime advantage.
Who does Letran play next?
Letran faces Emilio Aguinaldo College on November 5 at the Playtime FilOil Centre after securing Group B’s top seed.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Tiebreaker Times on Facebook.
