Deo Cuajao delivered nine crucial points in the fourth quarter to lift the Letran Knights to their first victory in the 101st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Seniors Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Coach Allen Ricardo expressed satisfaction with his team’s improving chemistry and cohesion as the Knights fended off the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals, 84–80, in their Group B matchup.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, walang madali. Talagang tatrabahuhin namin,” said Ricardo after the hard-earned win.
The 21-year-old Cuajao, who is set to join the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA, exploded for 23 points, highlighted by six three-pointers. He opened the fourth quarter with back-to-back triples that helped the Knights seize control, building a 76–66 advantage.
Kevin Santos chipped in 15 points, including two free throws that gave Letran a 53–45 cushion with 47 seconds left in the first half.
For the Generals, Nico Quinal led the way with 16 points as EAC dropped to a 1–2 record.
In the juniors division, Clint Bonus and Noel Lanceta came through in the clutch to steer the EAC Brigadiers past the Letran Squires, 83–81.
Lanceta calmly sank a free throw with seven seconds remaining, while Bonus nailed a jumper with 25 seconds left to put the Brigadiers ahead for good. The Squires, meanwhile, faltered down the stretch as Nathan Egea missed two potential game-tying triples.
Kelly Coronel topscored for EAC with 16 points, while Egea also had 16 for the Squires.
