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| Jimboy Estrada's go-ahead highlighted Letran's game-ending comeback to complete the sweep against Perpetual Help. Glad Pillejera |
PASAY––For the first time since its mini-dynasty, Letran is back in the NCAA men's basketball finals.
The Knights booked the first spot in the "Last Dance" after completing a 2-0 semifinal sweep of the Perpetual Help Altas with a 74-70 Game 2 win on Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Down by 13 points late in the third quarter, Letran stole the thunder from Perpetual Help in the fourth quarter, outscoring them, 20-6, to steal the win, finishing the game on a 10-0 run.
The Altas had some chances in the end, especially after forcing Titing Manalili's one and only turnover of the game, but John Abis missed a mid-range jumper, and the Knights got the ball back.
June Roque missed two free throws that could have already iced the game, but he still ended up with the offensive rebound and made up for his misses by going 2-for-2 in his next trip to the foul line for the dagger.
Despite the late turnover, Manalili still led Letran, back in the championship round after its three-peat from 2019-2022, with 16 points, four rebounds, 14 assists, and one steal.
Jimboy Estrada added 11 points, including the go-ahead three with exactly 100 seconds left, four rebounds, one assist, four steals, and one block.
The Knights will face the winner of the Sunday decider between the San Beda Red Lions and College of St. Benilde Blazers in the finals next week.
Patrick Sleat led Perpetual Help, which missed the finals despite being the top seed in Group A, with 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
John Abis, playing in his final game in the amateurs before joining Ginebra in the PBA, chipped in 10 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists.
The scores:
LETRAN 74 – Manalili 16, Estrada 11, Roque 9, Cuajao 9, Omega 7, Buensalida 7, Santos 6, Gammad 5, Tapenio 4, Montecillo 0
PERPETUAL HELP 70 РSleat 17, Gojo Cruz 15, Abis 10, Orgo 7, Nu̱ez 6, Boral 5, Tulabut 3, Alcantara 3, Casinilio 2, Maglupay 2
Quarterscores: 18-15, 39-42, 54-64, 74-70
