Letran, JRU boost records as NCAA race heats up
Jose Rizal University and Letran strengthened their positions in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday, taking contrasting routes to victory at San Juan Arena.
Allen Laurenaria delivered the winning basket with 1.3 seconds remaining in overtime as the Heavy Bombers escaped Perpetual Help, 72-70, to tighten their grip on Group A’s top spot with a 7-2 record.
The Knights, meanwhile, leaned on Denzil Walker’s all-around brilliance to overpower College of St. Benilde, 83-72, and climb to 6-3, moving temporarily atop Group B.
Laurenaria finished with 20 points, six rebounds and four steals, saving his biggest contribution for the final seconds of a tense encounter.
JRU held a 68-67 edge before Laurenaria scored inside to stretch the lead to three with 35 seconds left.
LA Casinillo answered with a three-pointer to tie the game at 70 with 19 seconds remaining, but Laurenaria struck again to hand Perpetual its sixth straight defeat.
“We drew strength from our coaches’ instructions. We just trusted our defense and offense,” Laurenaria said. “Whatever happens, happens.”
Chris Hubilla supplied 15 points and 17 rebounds for JRU, which overcame Lawrence Mangubat’s five-point outing on 2-for-14 shooting.
Gelo Gelsano scored 18 points, and Aries Borja added 16 for the Altas, who dropped to 2-7 in Group B. Casinillo contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Letran encountered considerably less resistance in its victory over Benilde, seizing control early and never allowing the Blazers to mount a serious comeback.
The Knights raced to a 24-13 first-quarter lead before Walker helped extinguish Benilde’s attempted rally in the third.
After the Blazers closed within 48-38, Letran unleashed a 12-4 run capped by Walker’s three-point play for a 60-42 cushion.
The Knights carried a 67-48 advantage into the fourth quarter and cruised to their sixth victory.
Walker collected 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Justin Cargo and Aaron Buensalida added 13 points apiece. Kevin Santos chipped in 10.
“I’m happy, but not satisfied,” Letran coach Allen
Ricardo said.
“I told them this week that to make basketball easier for us, we have to start with our defense. Everything else will follow. This is the result.”
Jhomel Ancheta and SJ Moore scored 12 points each for Benilde, which slipped to 6-3 in Group A.
