LETRAN and Mapua returned to their winning ways even as College of St. Benilde-La Salle Green Hills chalked up its fourth straight victory following a woeful 0-2 start in the NCAA juniors basketball tournament yesterday at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym.

It was Andy Gemao who delivered the goods for the Squires as he knocked in 21 crucial points on top of seven rebounds and two assists, allowing Letran to squeak past Jose Rizal University, 94-76.

On the other hand, Nygel Gonzales knocked in 16 points, spiked with a gem of a triple in the final 41.8 seconds left, as Mapua stormed back from 17 points down to repulse Arellano University, 70-68.

Hotshot Luis Pablo, meanwhile, registered 20 big points, seven rebounds and three assists as the Greenies posted a close 99-80 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College.

With the win, Letran and Mapua improved to 5-1, while LSGH rose to keep abreast of the leaders at 4-2 in a tie with San Sebastian, which pulled off a convincing 92-87 win over Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Aside from Gemao, Jonathan Manalili had a big game with 19 points and eight assists, George Diamante had a double-double of 11 points and 14 boards while Emman Anabo also scored 11 points for the Squires.

For JRC, Paul Enal led all scorers with 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Light Bombers, who suffered their fourth loss in six games.

SJ Moore’s two free throws off Gonzales’ fifth foul forced the game’s final deadlock at 68-68 when Noel Agemenyi’s jumper gave the lead back to the Red Robins.

The Braves tried to turn things around in the final 11.6 seconds but could not convert, as misses by Moore and Micko Nambi sandwiched by two bungled free throws by Naren Mallari hurt.

Moore had 26 points and five assists for Arellano, which failed to follow up its stunning win to Letran and dropped at 1-5.

Ernest Geronimo and Mark de Leon each had 20 points for the Staglets, who dropped 36 points in the payoff period.

The Junior Pirates, who got 25 points and 16 rebounds from Matthew Rubico, absorbed their third loss in six starts.