Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s Denzil Walker against University of Perpetual Help in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball. Angela Davocol/NCAA Philippines.MANILA — Colegio de San Juan de Letran reasserted its mastery of University of Perpetual Help, 84-77, for a winning start to NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
This was the fourth straight victory for the Knights over the Altas, dating back to the entirety of NCAA Season 101, but leading the charge this time around was newcomer Denzil Walker, who tallied 21 points on 5-of-9 shooting from long range.
Jimboy Estrada was just as vital with 18 points, six assists, and four rebounds, with the sweet-shooting veteran helping Letran protect a 10-point cushion against a pesky Perpetual side.
“Ito yung redemption season na sinasabi sa amin ni Coach Allen [Ricardo],” said Estrada. “So naging composed lang kami nung naging dikit yung laro.”
Helping the Knights achieve this was Kevin Santos, who had his way inside with 15 points, eight rebounds, and a block, while Titing Manalili paced his squad with 12 points, eight assists, four steals, and two rebounds.
On the other hand, the Altas almost crawled back and even held a 51-45 lead as JD Pagulayan caught fire with 18 points on a 4-of-8 clip from beyond the arc.
Angelo Geslano and LA Casinillo also added 11 points apiece for Perpetual, but their 22 turnovers, which Letran converted into 13 points, proved too costly.
The Scores:
Letran 84 - Walker 21, Estrada 18, Santos 15, Manalili 12, Cargo 8, Buensalida 5, Gammad 3, Diamante 2, Montecillo 0, Reyes 0, Hugo 0.
Perpetual 77 - Pagulayan 18, Gelsano 11, Casinillo 11, Gojo Cruz 8, Tulabut 8, Orgo 7, Borja 6, Cauguiran 3, Cristino 3, Maglupay 2, Duremdes 0, Roluna 0, Corpuz 0.
Quarterscores: 21-20, 38-36, 59-55, 84-77.