AN outrebounded Letran Knights still moved closer to a finals’ seat on Tuesday in the 101st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.
Jimboy Estrada’s timely baskets in the final minutes got them there.
And his shots fell through as the Knights weathered repeated comebacks of the University of Perpetual Help Altas, 77-73, in Game 1 of their best-of-three semifinals series at the Araneta Coliseum.
“The most important thing is mental toughness. The Perps had a run. But unfortunately for them, nandu’n pa rin kami,” said Knights’ coach Allen Ricardo.
As the Altas came back from a 19-point deficit, but Estrada canned in a triple and a charity in the last 13.6 seconds to give the Knights enough cushion to post their fifth straight win, with their 77-71 spread.
Earlier, Patrick Sleat still got away with five important points in the last quarter, with his two charities keeping the Altas within range, 70-75.
“We needed to limit the shots of Sleat. He’s one of their go-to guys,” added Ricardo.
Meanwhile, Agjanti Miller delivered 29 points for the San Beda Red Lions stayed alive and waylaid the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 91-72, at their start of their own semis series.
Miller struck with seven points in third period in towing the Red Lions to a decisive 65-53 edge.
The Blazers, who got 18 points from Ian Torres, will seek to tie the series in Game 2 on Friday.
Estrada and Jonathan Manalili went on to lead with 15 points apiece for the Knights, who are on their first semifinals appearance, since their last one in 2022 during the Final Four era.
The Altas, with an unstoppable Sleat making a game-high 21 points, dominated the boards with 49 total rebounds, off the Knights’ 35.
John Abis shot 20 points and also controlled the boards with Shawn Orgo with nine and 11 rebounds for the Altas.
On the other hand, Letran drew strength from big man Kevin Santos’ six points and 10 rebounds, and Aaron Buensalida’s six points and seven boards.
The Knights can return to the finals if they get past the Altas in Game 2 on Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.
In the junior side, Ray Ladica banged in 25 points for the Arellano Braves as they turned back the Mapua Red Robins, 99-90, in Game 1.
Ladica unloaded eight points in the last quarter to help the Braves stay in sight for the a finals slot.
