LETRAN made sure there would be no upsets this time as it struck back on its previous tormentor Jose Rizal University, 85-71, to return to winning ways in the NCAA Season 101 on Saturday at the Playtime Filoil Center in San Juan.
Jimboy Estrada led a huge second quarter for the Knights as they broke the game wide open after a close opener, leading by as many 16 before cruising to a comfortable finish to restore order after slipping against San Sebastian the last time out.
Letran’s bigs then took over in the second half, with Kevin Santos and Aaron Buensalida pummelling the JRU bigs in the final two quarters as the Knights took the blowout win and improved to 6-4, tying the St. Benilde Blazers for the coveted second spot in Group B.
"I guess it's all about the mindset. They're humble to do what it takes to do the small things offensively and defensively," Letran head coach Allen Ricardo said.
"Sabi ko nga sa kanila the last game, hindi tayo ganito maglaro, hindi tayo ganito mag-desisyon. Kitang kita yan sa attitude niyo at sa body language at hindi natin maitatago sa mga tao yan," he added.
"Yan ang ina-address ko sa kanila. You have to play the right way at the end of the day."
Leading by just five in the second quarter, Estrada powered a 14-3 run for the Knights - joining hands with Santos, Jun Roque and Mark Omega to break the game wide open for good.
Unlike in their first meeting against the Heavy Bombers where the Knights couldn't seem to get a basket, Letran's offense was clicking all game long as they sustained that big second quarter in the second half.
The closest the Heavy Bombers got was within eight, though the Knights quickly doused water on that uprising - responding with a 13-4 run to close the game out for good.
Estrada finished with 20 points, three rebounds and three assists while Santos finished with 17 points, seven boards, three steals and two blocks. Titing Manalili also had eight points, nine assists and two steals.
Shawn Argente led the way for the Heavy Bombers with 16 points although he was limited to just two points in the second half. Harry Herrera added 14 for JRU which dropped to solo fourth in Group B with a 5-5 record.
The Scores
Letran 85 - Estrada 20, Santos 17, Manalili 8, Roque 8, Cuajao 7, Omega 7, Buensalida 7, Silorio 6, Rosillo 3, Montecillo 2, Tapenio 0, Gammad 0, Gazzingan 0, Yusi 0
JRU 71 - Argente 16, Herrera 14, Laurenaria 11, Garupil 11, Salvador 11, Benitez 4, Panapanaan 2, Duque 2, Sarmiento 0, Castillo 0, Penaverde 0, Casinillo 0, Canoza 0
Quarters: 23- 17, 49-36, 63-53, 85-71
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