ONE-ON-ONE. Letran's Moses Manalili (right) drives past an Emilio Aguinaldo College defending during the NCAA Season 99 juniors basketball at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Sunday (Feb. 25, 2024). Letran, the defending champion won, 83-69, to share the lead with Mapua and Perpetual Help at 5-1. (NCAA photo)
MANILA – Letran stamped its class over Emilio Aguinaldo College, 83-69, to share the lead with Mapua University and Perpetual Help in the NCAA Season 99 junior basketball at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Sunday.
Moses Manalili scored 15 points with nine assists, three rebounds and one steal in leading the defending champion Squires to their fifth win in six outings.
Jolo Navarro contributed 14 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, three steals and two assists; George Diamante had 12 points, eight rebounds and two steals; and Jovel Baliling added 11 points, eight rebounds and four assists for Letran, which took a 47-35 lead at halftime.
EJ Castillo finished with 28 points, five steals, four rebounds and three assists while Kelly Coronel chipped in 10 points, nine rebounds, two steals, two blocks and one assist for the EAC Brigadiers, who slid to 2-4.
Meanwhile, Lawrence Mangubat scored 11 of his game-high 25 points in the fourth quarter to carry Mapua to a 72-71 victory over Perpetual.
Sean Salvador had 13 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals while Jonalance Masiglat added 11 points and 15 rebounds for the Red Robins, who bounced back from their 69-86 loss to the Squires on Friday.
Aries Borja had 18 points, eight rebounds and two assists for the Perpetual Altas.
San Sebastian College improved to 4-2 after surviving Arellano University, 102-100, in overtime.
Ruvic Danag sizzled with 34 points, Ben Jimenez had 20 points and seven rebounds, and Jhun Penaverde made 13 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals for the Golden Staglets.
The Arellano Braves fell to 1-5.
Lyceum of the Philippines, meanwhile, ended its five-game slump with a 74-64 victory over San Beda University.
Kyle Timbol and Jasper Matienzo registered 14 points each while Kian Panerio and Peter Mulligan added 13 and 11 points, respectively, for the Intramuros-based squad.
Francis Dollente delivered 22 points for the San Beda Red Cubs (3-3). (PNA)
