LETRAN whipped up a fourth-quarter storm as it turned back Arellano University, 86-79, on Tuesday and claimed its second win a row in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
Paolo Javillonar, back after serving his two-game suspension for playing in unsanctioned leagues, exploded with a game-high 28 points in leading the Knights to their second win in three outings.
It was also the bullstrong Javillonar, who sparked that fourth quarter onslaught that saw the Muralla-based dribblers erase a 12-point third quarter lead and turn it into a victory.
“Tiwala lang,” said Letran coach Allen Ricardo. “Napaka importante magtiwala sa mga bata. Every minute lagi ko sinasabi, kahit ano mangyari, wala bibigay regardless kahit ano lead pa ‘yan, tiyagain natin, one point at a time.”
Jimboy Estrada and James Miller also helped in the cause as they scattered 14 and 11 points, respectively.
It was a heartbreaking defeat for the Chiefs, who appeared in control when they took charge in the middle quarters to gain a 12-point lead somewhere in the third canto.
It proved to be its last hurrah as Letran took charge from there.
Five AU players headed by Maverick Vinoya’s 16 points ended up scoring in double digits but none them couldn’t find the answer when the Knights went on that decisive rampage late.
AU fell to 0-3.
Games Wednesday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
12 p.m.- UPHSD vs CSB
2:30 p.m.- JRU vs SSC-R
