Knights regain winning ways

Games today:

(Filoil EcoOil Centre)

3 p.m. — JRU vs San Sebastian

5 p.m. — Saint Benilde vs Arellano

Letran College returned to its winning ways after defeating Lyceum of the Philippines University, 96-86, in Season 102 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament on Thursday at San Juan Arena.

Coming off back-to-back losses to Arellano University and rival San Beda University, the Knights improved to 4-2 in Group B with the victory.

“This win is really important for our team morale,” said Denzil Sison-Walker, who finished with 15 points, six rebounds and three steals.

“We didn’t want to dwell on our previous losses but we also couldn’t ignore the fact that we lost back-to-back. It was crucial that we got the win today.”

Letran controlled most of the game and built an 85-67 lead midway through the fourth quarter before the Pirates mounted a late fightback.

Lyceum unleashed a 9-0 run to cut the deficit to 85-76 with 2:59 remaining, but back-to-back baskets from Kevin Santos and Justin Cargo restored order for the Knights and gave them an 89-76 cushion with 2:19 remaining.

Jimboy Estrada led Letran with 25 points, while Jonathan Manalili added 23 points and 12 assists for a double-double. Chad Gammad chipped in 12 points.

The victory, however, came with a scare after Manalili took an awkward fall with 1:55 left in the fourth quarter and clutched his right knee before being carried off the floor.

Matthew Rubico paced Lyceum with 21 points, while Roger Ondoa had 17 points and six rebounds as the Pirates absorbed their fourth straight loss and fell to 1-5.