Letran College squandered an early lead but recovered just in time to pull off a 97-80 win over University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in Game 1 of their National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 juniors basketball tournament best-of-three finals series yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Center in San Juan.

Titing Manalili led the attack, dropping 20 of his career-high 35 points in the first half to go with nine rebounds and nine assists while George Diamante uncorked 12 markers and 16 boards for the Squires, who are one win away from defending the title.

Syrex Silorio added 15 points while igniting a massive 17-3 run in the third quarter that allowed the Squires to erect a 13-point lead, 62-49.

After being held scoreless by the punishing Letran defense in the first half, Most Valuable Player frontrunner Amiel Acido tried to rally the Junior Altas in the fourth quarter but his 10 points was not enough as the firepower and experience of the Squires were too much for them to handle.

Manalili sealed the deal with a dagger three-pointer that gave Letran a 92-76 lead in the final 47 seconds to preserve the victory and push the Junior Altas to yet another frustrating season after posting a commanding 8-1 win-loss card in the eliminations.

With Acido firing blanks and settling for just 10 points, JD Pagulayan stepped up as he dropped 17 points while Jhames Daep chipped in 12.

Mark Gojo Cruz also added 10 markers for the Junior Altas, who will troop back to the drawing board to level the series on Wednesday following the battle for third place between Mapua University and San Sebastian College-Recoletos.