Published September 16, 2024 10:03pm
Updated September 16, 2024 10:03pm
Veteran big man Pao Javillonar returns in perfect time as form-finding Colegio de San Juan de Letran shoots for a second straight win in its clash against Arellano University on Tuesday in NCAA Season 100.
The Knights (1-1), who were coming off a morale-boosting win against Jose Rizal University last Friday, will take on the winless Chiefs (0-2) in the 11 a.m. offering of the double-header. Meanwhile, San Beda University (2-1) and Emilio Aguinaldo College (1-2), both fresh off contrasting results, will lock horns at 2:30 p.m.
Javillonar’s return from a two-game suspension he was slapped with after playing in an unsanctioned game is a welcome development for Letran, especially as the former three-time champions hope to follow their breakthrough win against the Heavy Bombers with another one.
“I’m looking forward to having Pao Javillonar because of his energy, his leadership,” Letran coach Allen Ricardo said.
“Alam naman nating si Pao talagang maboka sa loob ng court so ang laking bagay sa amin ‘yun. He makes an impact to us.”
Javillonar is tipped to provide the needed veteran presence in a youthful squad led by transferee Jimboy Estrada and rookie Jace Miller, who both took charge in their 70-62 triumph over JRU.
Estrada lifted Letran with 22 points on an efficient 9-of-15 shooting clip from the field alongside nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block while Miller impressed in his debut game with 16 markers, five dimes, and two boards in just 23 minutes of action.
Ricardo acknowledged the fact that securing that first win was crucial for Letran, saying it can get the momentum going for a rebuilding team like his. And that will be put to test in their encounter with the Chiefs, who are hungry to recover from two previous losses to EAC and Perpetual.
“We’re hoping [na magtuloy-tuloy ‘yung panalo] pero ang importante ay makuha namin ‘yung unang panalo para makakuha kami ng rhythm kasi iba ang nabibigay ‘pag nananalo ka eh,” Ricardo said.
“It’s just a start. Marami pang pwedeng mangyari. That’s basketball. That’s college basketball.”
In the second game, San Beda will look to stay closer to league-leading De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (3-0) when it slugs it out against a hungry EAC side.
In their last game against San Sebastian, the Red Lions needed to hold on until the final buzzer before Bryan Sajonia and the rest of the pack carve out an 85-75 win. The former FEU standout continued his stellar outing with a career-high 26 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block.
But they might need to implement the same — or more — hustle and energy opposite the Generals, who are eyeing to bounce back following two consecutive heartbreaks against Mapua and Benilde.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
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