LETRAN’S PAO JAVILLONAR SHINES IN RETURN, SECURES VICTORY AGAINST ARELLANO

Pao Javillonar made a spectacular return to the Colegio de San Juan de Letran, leading the Knights to an 86-79 win over the Arellano University Chiefs in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament. 

After a two-game suspension for participating in the 39th Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament with Converge, Javillonar, the 19th pick in the 2024 PBA Rookie Draft, delivered a career-best performance. He scored 28 points, shooting an impressive 68.8 percent from the field, and added eight rebounds, helping Letran advance to a 2-1 win-loss record.

The Knights, who were trailing 69-63 at the end of the third quarter, surged in the final period with a 9-2 run. Deo Cuajao’s pivotal corner three-pointer gave Letran the lead at 72-71 with just under five minutes remaining.

The Chiefs fought back with an 8-5 run, highlighted by Cyril Hernal’s back-to-back three-pointers, bringing the score to 79-77 with three minutes left. But Javillonar clinched the game with a crucial three-point play at the 2:47 mark, putting Letran ahead 80-79. The Knights sealed the win with a 6-0 run in the closing minutes. Letran coach Allen Ricardo emphasized the importance of trust and perseverance. “Tiwala lang,” he said. “Napaka importante magtiwala sa mga bata. Every minute lagi ko sinasabi, kahit ano mangyari, wala bibigay regardless kahit ano lead pa yan, tyagain natin, one point at a time.”

In addition to Javillonar’s standout performance, Letran’s Jimboy Estrada and Jace Miller contributed with 14 and 11 points, respectively. Estrada also added eight rebounds to his tally.

The Knights will look to continue their winning streak as they face the Mapua Cardinals on Friday, September 20, at 2:30 p.m. at the same venue.