Cargo, Knights Surge Past Eac 91-80 To Remain Unbeaten

Left-handed rookie Justin Cargo delivered a sizzling career-high performance to lead Colegio de San Juan de Letran past the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 91-80, preserving their undefeated record in NCAA Season 102 at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Cargo spearheaded the Knights' attack with an efficient 22-point explosion on 4-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc, adding three rebounds and two steals to earn Best Player of the Game honors. 

Floor general Jonathan Manalili orchestrated Letran's offense with surgical precision, dishing out a game-high 14 assists to go with seven points and four steals to keep the Knights in control.

Despite his breakout game just three outings into his collegiate career, the freshman remained humble about his standout play.

"Masaya po siyempre, pinagtrabahuhan ko naman po ito," Cargo shared during the post-ga me press conference. "Sinusunod lang po namin 'yung mga pinapagawa ng mga coaches, lalo sa defense."

The contrast between seasons is familiar for Letran, turning around last year’s rocky 0-3 start into a perfect 3-0 opening record. However, head coach Allen Ricardo remains grounded despite their hot streak.

"We're just trying to get better one game at a time," Coach Allen Ricardo stated. "We take this as a win, but as a coach, I'm not satisfied."

After heading into the fourth quarter deadlocked at 61-all, Letran unleashed a decisive defensive blitz to start the final period. Kevin Santos and Jimboy Estrada spearheaded a game-changing 10-0 run while holding the Generals scoreless for the first three minutes to build a 71-61 cushion.

 Santos recorded a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Estrada added 15 points to anchor the endgame push.

MJ Raymundo and Jacob Shanoda paced EAC with 15 points apiece, but the Generals ultimately succumbed to Letran's fourth-quarter firepower.

With the hard-fought victory, Letran stays immaculate at 3-0 at the top of Group B, 

while EAC drops to 0-3.

The Scores:

LETRAN 91 – Cargo 22, Estrada 15, Santos 12, Walker 11, Gammad 9, Buensalida 8, Manalili 7, Siena 5, Reyes 2, Diamante 0, Valdeavilla 0, Montecillo 0.

EAC 80 – Raymundo 15, Shanoda 15, Bagay 13, Oftana 12, Castillo 5, Bonus 5, Nunag 5, Ochavo 4, Raymundo 4, Lanceta 2, Coronel 0, Namoro 0, Sealey 0.

Photo Credits: NCAA Media