MANILA – Paolo Javillonar’s stellar 28-point performance powered the Letran Knights to a hard-fought 86-79 victory over Arellano University in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday (17 Sept 2024) at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
The Knights notched their second consecutive win, improving to a 2-1 record and joining a four-way tie for second place with San Sebastian, Mapua, and Perpetual.
Returning from a two-game suspension, Javillonar also contributed eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Sherick Estrada added 14 points, eight rebounds, and key defensive plays, while James Miller chipped in with 11 points and five rebounds as Letran clawed back from a 12-point deficit in the third quarter.
“It’s all about trusting the players,” said Letran coach Allen Ricardo. “We stayed focused and took it one point at a time.”
Arellano, still winless after three games, was led by Maverick Vinoya’s 16 points, while Cyril Hernal and Lorenz Capulong added 11 points each. Despite a strong start, the Chiefs couldn’t hold off Letran’s rally.
In the day’s second game, Emilio Aguinaldo College pulled off a surprising 68-55 win over defending champions San Beda University. Harvey Pagsanjan and JC Luciano led the charge, with Pagsanjan scoring 14 points and Luciano adding 13, including four three-pointers.
San Beda’s Yukien Andrada managed 12 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Red Lions from dropping to 2-2.
On Wednesday, College of Saint Benilde will seek its third consecutive win against Perpetual, while Jose Rizal University faces San Sebastian.
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