LETRAN just continues to be too good and too much early on in NCAA Season 102.
The Knights took Emilio Aguinaldo College's best shot before pulling away late, 91-80, on Thursday at the Playtime Filoil Centre for their third win in as many games.
Hotshot rookie Justin Cargo continued making quite the first impression with a career-high 22 points, three rebounds, two steals, and one assist.
Still, the Generals once again showed why they are far from an easy out, keeping pace with the blue-and-red in a neck-and-neck affair that went down to the final canto.
No tiring these Knights
But when it came time to close, Letran cranked up the defensive pressure, forcing turnovers that sparked transition baskets for the separation it needed for good.
“It shows how responsive they are sa mga gusto kong mangyari. We’re trying to press, press, and forcing turnovers,” said head coach Allen Ricardo.
“And that’s what we practice, that’s habits. So talagang I’m trying to push them to the next level wherein bawal mapagod,” he added.
Jimboy Estrada chipped in 22 points, three rebounds, two steals, and one assist, while Kevin Santos and Denzil Walker added 12 and 11 markers, respectively.
Jonathan Manalili orchestrated the Knights' offense with 14 assists, along with seven points and four steals.
Meanwhile, MJ Raymundo and Jacob Shanoda paced EAC with 15 points apiece, while Jude Bagay and Wilmar Oftana also tallied 13 and 12 markers, respectively.
The victory kept the Knights perfect at the top of Pool B with a 3-0 record, while EAC remained winless.
The Scores:
LETRAN 91 - Cargo 22, Estrada 15, Santos 12, Walker 11, Gammad 9, Buensalida 8, Manalili 7, Siena 5, Reyes 2, Diamante 0, Valdeavilla 0, Montecillo 0.
EAC 80 - Raymundo 15, Shanoda 15, Bahay 13, Oftana 12, Castillo 5, Bonus 5, Nunag 5, Ochavo 4, Raymundo 4, Lanceta 2, Coronel 0, Namoro 0, Sealey 0.
Quarters: 22-19, 43-39, 61-61, 91-80
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