By MARK REY MONTEJO
When the going gets tough, one can always rely on Titing Manalili.
Manalili took charge in the crunch and steered Letran past reigning champion Mapua, 85-82, in overtime to go four in a row in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City Tuesday, Oct. 21.
Manalili struck hardest in the fourth and extended periods where he orchestrated the Knights’ offense, including crucial assists to Kevin Santos that put the efforts of Clint Escamis and the Cardinals to waste.
Despite a 0-3 start, Letran rediscovered its offensive rhythm and managed to climb up and back in the thick of everything with a 4-3 record in Group B.
Mapua, on the other hand, slipped to a 3-3 tally mark in tie with Arellano in Group A.
The Cebuano cager finished in double-double of 14 points and 10 assists that went with six rebounds and one steal, while Jimboy Estrada, Santos, and Aaron Buensalida added 20, 17, and 16 points, respectively.
Escamis, for his part, collected 14 points, five assists and two steals, while Cyrus Nitura and Cyril Gonzales chipped in 19 and 17 points in a losing cause.
The scores:
LETRAN 85 – Estrada 20, Santos 17, Buensalida 16, Manalili 14, Cuajao 9, Omega 4, Gammad 3, Rosilio 2, Yusi 0, Gazzingan 0.
MAPÚA 82 – Nitura 19, Gonzales 17, Escamis 14, Cuenco 10, Sapasap 9, Delos Reyes 7, Recto 4, Concepcion 2, Igliane 0, Lazarte 0, Gulapa 0.
Quarter scores: 25-12, 41-38, 53-62, 78-78 (reg.), 85-82 (OT).
