Letran’s Deo Cuajao. Photo handout/FilOil Preseason Cup Media Team.MANILA — Colegio de San Juan de Letran stretched its win streak to four after its dominant victory over Jose Rizal University.
The Knights posted an 84-73 win against the Heavy Bomber to seize the top spot in the NCAA Bracket 18th Filoil Preseason Cup Monday.
Letran’s depth was in full display as five Knights scored in double figures led by Deo Cuajao’s 15 points built on four triples.
Kevin Santos added 13 points and seven rebounds as Peter Rosillo and Aaron Buensalida got 12 each.
“Yung mga ginagawa natin, dapat ‘wag tayong makuntento especially on the defensive end,” said coach Allen Ricardo as Letran moved up to 6-1 in the standings.
Sanlea Peñaverde did his best for the skidding Heavy Bombers (1-3) as he fired 24 points and three steals in the losing effort.
Meanwhile, Emilio Aguinaldo College also delivered a 77-52 beatdown of University of Perpetual Help behind Brianne Angeles’ 12 points and four rebounds.
“Ever since naman, naniniwala kami na kaya naming maging contender. Ang maganda lang is nagde-deliver na yung mga bata sa sistema namin,” said coach Jerson Cabiltes as the Generals earn three consecutive victories to hike their record to 5-1, grabbing a share of the second spot together with idle Benilde.
Only Patrick Sleat broke through double-digit scoring for the off-shooting Altas (1-4), scoring 10 points.
Lastly, Mapua University completed the winners’ circle with a 77-70 bounce back victory over the still-winless San Sebastian College.
Drex Delos Reyes imposed his presence down low with a near-double-double effort of 15 points and nine rebounds off the bench for the 3-2 Cardinals.
Ivan Lazarte also contributed 12 points, while Cyril Gonzales had 11 in the conquest.
TJ Felebrico stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, eight boards, and six assists for the Golden Stags which dropped their sixth consecutive game.
The Scores:
First Game:
LETRAN 84 - Cuajao 15, Estrada 13, Santos 13, Rosillo 12, Buensalida 12, Yusi 5, Roque 5, Silorio 4, Tapenio 3, Manalili 2.
JRU 73 - Peñaverde 24, Panapanaan 14, Argente 10, Lozano 9, Castillo 6, Garupil 3, Esguerra 2, Herrera 2, Pangilinan 2, Sarmiento 1, Benitez 0, Canoza 0.
Quarters: 21-22, 43-38, 65-52, 84-73.
Second Game:
MAPUA 77 - Delos Reyes 15, Lazarte 12, Gonzales 11, Escamis 8, Recto 7, Cuenco 5, Concepcion 5, Nitura 5, Gulapa 5, Sapasap 4, Igliane 0, Callangan 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 70 - Felebrico 17, Are 13, Nepacena 11, Ricio 10, Pillado 6, Cabilla 4, Lumanag 4, Gomez De Liaño 3, Castor 2, Gabat 0.
Quarters: 20-16, 35-29, 51-49, 77-70.
Third Game:
EAC 77 - Angeles 12, Tolentino 11, Cudiamat 11, Ochavo 9, Quinal 8, Villarente 7, Shanoda 6, Dominguez 4, Bacud 3, Castillo 2, Bagay 2, Loristo 0, Oftana 0, Omandac 0.
PERPETUAL 52 - Sleat 10, Casinillo 8, Pagulayan 6, Gojo Cruz 5, Tulabut 4, Baldoria 4, Alcantara 3, Boral 2, Duremdes 2, Gelasano 2, Nunez 2, Borja 2, Maglupay 2, Abis 2, Orgo 0, Guibao 0.
Quarters: 24-11, 44-33, 63-44, 77-52.