Inch Closer to a Back-to-Back Title: Squires Dominate Junior Altas, 97-80

Faith Jireh Santos

MANILA, Philippines — Amidst the jampacked crowd of both the Las Piñas and Muralla-based rivals, second seed Letran Squires once again proved they are worthy to reclaim glory as they conquered against the top seed Perpetual Junior Altas in the first game of the NCAA Season 99 Juniors Basketball Finals, March 16, 2024, right at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. 

The Letran Squires, under the guidance of Head Coach Allen Ricardo, has dominated the competition throughout the season with two losses, boasting a talented roster led by the team captain. Meanwhile, the Junior Altas, coached by Joph Cleopas, emerged as a formidable contender led by Amiel Acido, with an 8-1 standing. 

From the opening tip-off, both teams came out firing on all cylinders, swapping baskets, and displaying offensive prowess, making the arena filled with cheers. Squires jumped out on an early lead with their fast-paced gameplay and sharp shooting with the help of Jonathan Manalili’s side-to-side shootings, 29-20.

Nearing the end of the first half, the Junior Altas refused to back down, responding with tenacity and resilience in the second quarter. Tightening up the gap and exploiting openings, the white and maroon squad narrowed the deficit, eventually leading the 2nd quarter with a point, 45-46.

The back-and-forth shootings continued into the third quarter, with both squads exchanging 2s and 3s. Junior Altas did not manage to maintain their lead. With the stellar plays of Team Captain Manalili and George Diamante, the lead was in favor of Squires with a maximum 18-point lead, but the Juniors kept their hopes up for a game-changer in the last few minutes of the match.

The stakes were stronger than ever as the game entered the fourth quarter. With both teams determined to turn the odds in their favor, the result is still up in the air. The Letran Squires took advantage of the turnovers of the Junior Altas to extend the lead and force the first blood in the best-of-3 series, earning a well-deserved win and moving one step closer to triumph.

“Siguro po unang-una, sa tatay ko, unang-una gusto ko siya malampasan sa narating niya. And siguro kay Kuya Rey, kay Kevin Alas, kay Cagulangan,” said Manalili who also set a new Juniors Basketball scoring record of 35 points. 

With the finals series opener now commenced, the Letran Squires have the chance to cop a Back-to-Back Championship that was claimed almost 100 years ago. Meanwhile, the Perpetual Junior Altas keeps their hopes up, anticipating a do-or-die match, vying for glory on the hardwood.