Games on Monday:
(San Andres Sports Complex)
7:30 a.m. – LPU vs Arellano
9:30 a.m. – LSGH vs SSC-R
11:30 a.m. – Letran vs Mapua
2:30 p.m. – San Beda vs EAC
4:30 p.m. – Perpetual vs JRU

EMMAN Anabo and Jonathan Manalili joined forces and struck hardest in the final canto as Letran snapped College of St. Benilde-La Salle Green Hills’ five-game winning streak via a 79-73 decision.

But more importantly, the win allowed Letran to grab the first Final Four berth in the NCAA juniors basketball tournament Friday at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym.

Anabo put in nothing but a single marker in the first three quarters before finding his rhytmn in the fourth where he drilled in 11 important baskets.

Likewise, Manalili dropped nine of his 15 points in the final 10 minutes of the play for the Squires’ crucial win.

Letran now flashes an impressive, 7-1 record, all by itself on top of the heap as erstwhile coleader Mapua absorbed a close 60-58 loss at the hands of San Sebastian.

Louie Datario spearheaded the fight for San Sebastian with 19 points while Stephen Jardinico chipped in 16 points and six rebounds as the Staglets moved in a tie with the Red Robins at the second spot second at 6-2.

Andrei Gemao topscored for the Squires with 17 points, six rebounds and two assists while June Silorio was the other player in twin digits with 13 points.

The Greenies, who were led by Rod Alian’s 15 points, dropped to 5-3 slate.

Meanwhile, the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta overcame Matthew Rubico’s monster 43-point, 13-rebound showing in a 100-97 win over Lyceum of the Philippines University to keep its slim Final Four hopes alive with a 4-4 record.

Wayne Palencia shot 24 points while Arniel Acido added 17 points, nine boards and two blocks for the Junior Altas, who lost a 22-point lead but were able to hold on until the end.