Knights defeated NCAA hosts LPU Pirates - sails sixth win in round 1

Sophia Joshuaine G. Gonzales

To conclude their final game in Round 1 with a magnificent finish, the Letran Knights vanquished the hosts for this NCAA Season 100, the LPU Pirates, in a decisive battle for the win, 22-13, 42-38, 57-47, 78-66, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, October 5, 2024.

Kevin Santos #4 of the Knights was crowned once more as the Player of the Game, bagging 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks. 

In the first quarter, the hunger of both teams for victory was evident as CSJL had a slow start in finding their groove. They lagged by 8 points against their opponent, the Pirates, who also found ways to ignite their spirits.

Reawoken as the second set began, the Knights started to charge more rigorously – symbolizing their fierce drive to win – landing baskets, and successful assists but giving way for free throws for LPU. Yet even with these setbacks, Nathaniel Montecillo #7 tightens the lead with a three-point basket that ends the quarter to widen the lead, 42-38.

With a goal to triumph over the Pirates, Letran ups their defenses at the start of the third quarter resulting in a stalemate as both teams struggled to score but was broken by an overhead dump by John Barba #3 of the Pirates, 42-40, with Letran still in the lead.

Points were regained as Kevin Santos landed another basket while Deo Cuajao was still trying to find the end of the basket with an unsuccessful three-pointer. Another attempt of the Pirates to score was denied at the gate by a powerful block from Santos.

Having only three last seconds in the shot clock for Letran’s basketball, a clutch shot was made by Jimboy Estrada #26 but was then subbed out due to his second personal foul. Although absent in the final minutes of the third quarter, an amazing display of teamwork shown by CJ Delfino and Kobe Monje with Letran ahead by ten, 57-47.

Showcasing his range at the start of the last quarter, Letran Knight Jace Miller #2 lands a three-point basket in the first minute. Pressured by the lead, LPU Pirate Montano #13 was given an unsportsmanlike foul, earning Pao Javillionar, #9, two free throws and possession.

Cuajao redeemed himself and scored his signature three-pointer, followed by Montecillo adding to the three-point marker; an exhausting rally came between the two teams to gain the ball but ended with Estrada aiming with a three-point shot in the last two minutes.

At the 1:35 marker, Estrada once again took the spotlight to land two free throws, 2/2, and the ball game tightened as the clock started ticking down.

As soon as the buzzer rang, the LPU Pirates said their last hurrah with the Letran community roared with cheers as they sang the Himno del Colegio de Letran, ending the Knights final game of the first elimination round with 78-66 in favor of CSJL.

“We will take a break…  definitely the other teams may baon ‘yan kaya kailangan namin maging prepared sa [bawat] sitwasyon,” Head Coach of the Knights, Coach Allen Ricardo, stated in an interview about moving forward into the second round.