KEVIN SANTOS' CAREER NIGHT POWERS LETRAN PAST EAC

Kevin Santos led Colegio San Juan de Letran to a thrilling 75-73 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College in the NCAA Season 100 Senior Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. 

The 6-foot-7 center from Pampanga delivered a career-high performance, scoring 17 points while showcasing his dominance on both ends of the court. Fresh off a game-winning shot in Letran’s previous outing against the College of Benilde, Santos continued his hot streak, shooting 66.7 percent from the field. His standout night was highlighted by a game-sealing dunk, along with seven rebounds and a season-high six blocks. 

Santos credited his strong showing to the momentum he gained from the Benilde game. 

“Doon na ako nakakuha ng kumpiyansa, hindi na ako ganoon ka-tight. Kumbaga lumuwag na ‘yong laro ko sa loob ng court,” he said.  “Grateful lang ako. Hindi pa ‘to yung buong laro ko. Gagalingan ko pa sa next game namin.”

Letran came out firing in the first half, building a 47-33 lead by halftime. But EAC refused to go down easily. King Gurtiza led the Generals' rally in the third quarter, scoring 10 of his team-high 19 points to help trim the deficit to four, 60-56, entering the final frame.

The fourth quarter saw both teams exchange blows, with EAC coming within one point after Gelo Loristo and Wilmar Oftana sank crucial baskets to cut the lead to 68-67. However, Santos and Jimboy Estrada came up big in crunch time, with Santos knocking down a turnaround jumper followed by a pivotal dunk that helped Letran hold on for the win. 

Deo Cuajao contributed 14 points, while Estrada and Paolo Javillonar chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Letran will look to build on its momentum when it faces the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Saturday, September 28.