Letran Knights’ King Caralipio. –FILOIL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—A vengeful Letran gained redemption against University of Santo Tomas, 81-77, eliminating the Tigers from playoff contention in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Wednesday.
After being eliminated by the Tigers in the PBA D-Leagu two weeks ago, Letran head coach Bonnie Tan reminded his Knights of their stinging loss, which motivated the team to hand UST the same fate.
“We lost against them in the [PBA] D-League, they were the reason we got out. I told them ‘this is when we can bounce back,’ so at least we won. We know that they are incomplete and we are incomplete but still happy [with the win],” Tan said after the game.
The Tigers played without Aldave Canoy, Kean Baclaan and Jethro Escoto while the Knights, who are now 3-2 in Group B, surged without Jimly Lantana and Kobe Monje, who’s currently nursing a nose injury.
Brent Paraiso and King Caralipio scored key baskets down the stretch for Letran to frustrate UST’s fight back.
The Tigers, who will not advance to the quarterfinals with a 2-5 record, were down by 14 points midway through the payoff period, 70-56, when they orchestrated an 18-7 run to put them within reach, 77-74.
Bryan Santos tied the game for UST at 77 but Paraiso, a former member of UST, took matters into his own hands and converted a tough layup to put the Knights ahead, 79-77, with 15.3 seconds remaining.
Sherwin Concepcion missed a potential game-winning triple before King Caralipio sealed the win for Letran after sinking two free throws.
Caralipio led Letran with 18 points while Neil Guarino and Paraiso had 15 and 12, respectively.
UST’s front court tandem of Concepcion and Santos registered 19 markers each. Cabañero, who had 26 in their previous game against San Beda, had 15.