NCAA: Letran Squires go back-to-back in juniors’ basketball

Letran Squires are the NCAA high school basketball champions again. –NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Even after blowing Game 2 of the NCAA Season 99 boys’ basketball Finals, Letran retained its composure in the clincher to win the crown of the high school division, 93-76, at San Juan Arena on Saturday.

The Squires denied Perpetual Help its first NCAA juniors’ crown while bagging their second straight title under coach Allen Ricardo.

“This is so sweet to us because a lot of people put us in the exit. Nobody expected us to enter the Final Four or the championship so I told the boys to work it all out so we’ll have no regrets after,” said Ricardo.

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“Hats off to Perpetual, we wouldn’t be here without them. They gave us a great competition and we really do appreciate it.”

Defense became the Squires’ most effective arsenal as they tallied 14 steals and two blocks as a team to force the Junior Altas to a whopping 22-team turnover count.

Letran also got help from the bench as it outscored coach Joph Cleopas’ wards in bench points, 79-46.

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June Silorio saved his best for last with a solid stat line of 27 points, six assists and five rebounds. Titing Manalili, meanwhile, helped Letran’s cause with 19 points, six steals and five assists.

Manalili was also named Finals MVP after averaging 22 points, 7.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 steals per game in the three-game series.

“I’m thankful to the coaches, they didn’t let me go. Back in Game 2, I was locked down so in practice, we took the opportunity to know our next plan because it was for me,” said Manalili.

Season 99 MVP Amiel Acido, Icee Callangan and Jan Pagulayan all scored 16 points for the Junior Altas but to no avail.