Knights storm back vs Altas to book NCAA finals return

Letran’s Titing Manalili (13)

(NCAA Philippines)

MANILA, Philippines — After two seasons, the Letran Knights are back in the NCAA men’s basketball finals.

The Knights erased a 10-point deficit entering the fourth quarter to eliminate the Perpetual Help Altas, 74-70, in their NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball Final Four Friday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Titing Manalili proved yet again why he is one of the best point guards in the collegiate ranks with a double-double performance of 16 points, 14 assists and four rebounds. Jimboy Estrada backstopped with 11 markers.

Perpetual led by as much as 13 points, 61-48, in the third quarter after a layup by Mark Gojo Cruz.

A pair of free throws by Aaron Buensalida made it a 10-point deficit, 54-64, heading into the final frame.

Cuajao then heated up from deep with back-to-back triples to cut it to four, 60-64.

Back-to-back layups by Jearico Nunez pushed the advantage back to eight, 68-60, but Letran continued to roll with a back-breaking run.

A triple by Estrada gave Letran the lead for good, 72-70, with 1:41 remaining. John Abis had chances to tie things up, but he could not connect inside.

And with time winding down, Roque was fouled. After he missed both, he was able to regain possession, and he was fouled anew.

This time, he sank both, putting the icing on the cake in the 14-2 finishing kick.

Gojo Cruz attempted a triple with time winding down, and he felt he had contact against his defender but no whistle was blown. He misfired as time expired, officially punching Letran’s ticket to the championship round.

Roque and Cuajao had nine points apiece in the win.

Patrick Sleat powered Perpetual with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Gojo Cruz had 15 markers, six boards, two dimes and a swat. John Abis capped off his collegiate career with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

The Knights will now await the winner between semifinalists Benilde and San Beda, who will be facing off on Sunday at the Big Dome.