The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Squires leaned on a huge second-half breakaway to defeat the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas, 97-80, in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 99 juniors basketball on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
Moses Manalili had a near-triple-double performance of 35 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists to go with four steals to lead the way for the Squires.
June Silorio chipped in 15 markers, George Diamante ended with a double-double of 14 points and 16 rebounds, and Jolo Navarro contributed 12 points for the Squires.
The Squires can go for their second consecutive NCAA juniors championship in Game 2, slated for Wednesday afternoon, March 20, at the same venue.
Letran was blazing to start the game as they zoomed to a 24-12 start before the Junior Altas countered with a run to take a 41-35 edge in the second period and later settled for a 46-45 halftime lead.
The defending champions, the Squires, however, caught fire to start the third period as they surged to a 70-55 advantage before widening the lead to 18 points in the fourth period.
The Junior Altas made their last push to cut the deficit to 76-89 late in the fourth quarter, but a three-pointer from Manalili with under a minute left secured the win for the Squires.
“Maganda ‘yung dinedepensa ng Perpetual Help nung first half, and it just so happened that we got our shots to fall in the second half,” said Squires head coach Allen Ricardo.
Jan Pagulayan top-scored for the Junior Altas with 17 points, Jhames Daep added 12 markers, and Amiel Acido, Jan Roluna, and Mark Gojo Cruz tallied 10 points apiece.
The post Letran Squires win Game 1, edge closer to NCAA juniors basketball repeat first appeared on Fastbreak.
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