After missing the semifinals the past two seasons, the Letran Knights showed their desire to go deep into the 101st National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
Big plays from big man Kevin Santos in the last period kept the Knights on track of their goals, following an 87-78 stopping of the Arellano University Chiefs during Wednesday’s quarterfinals at the FilOil Arena in San Juan.
Jimboy Estrada fired a game-high 22 points for Letran as it forced a do-or-die clash with the Chiefs.
Santos came off with a career-high 20 points and eight rebounds.
“Nag-focus lang kami. Wala rin kaming buhat na pressure, kaya medyo magaan pakiramdam namin,” said the 6’7” Santos.
The Chiefs, who have a twice-to-beat incentive, drew a team-high 18 points from T-mc Ongotan, while Sebastian Valencia provided 11 points.
Anjord Cabotaje contributed 10 points for the Chiefs, who need to win their rubber match with the Knights on Sunday, to reach the best-of-three semifinals.
In junior action, the Arellano Braves, led by Aaron Manansala, struck down the La Salle Greenhills, 86-79.
Manansala shot 22 points for the Braves, who barged into the best-of-three semifnals.
