Throwback Thursday: Castro Drenches Letran’s Twice-To-Beat Chance

by JP Abcede

Someone has got to give. And not even a lengthy rain delay could stop Philippine Christian University from trampling defending champion Colegio de San de Letran, 59-48, on August 25 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Jason Castro dampened the Knights’ opportunity for an outright twice-to-beat spot and even a possible finish on top as he drained nine points in the fourth quarter as action ceased for 40 minutes after NAS suffered from the drips at the third period break.

“Kapag galing ka sa malamig, you start slow,” remarked PCU coach Joel Dualan. “Four minutes [into the quarter] iyon ang crucial. Sixth minute, nakalamang (na) kami.”

Castro was responsible for PCU’s first nine points after the lull, giving them a 52-45 cushion, 3:45 remaining into the game. The Dolphins then expanded this lead after Gabby Espinas sank both his freethrows 35 seconds to go, 59-46.

“Kung sakali kami ang twice-to-beat o beat twice (against Letran in the semis), alam namin kaya namin silang talunin,” said Dualan.

The Taft-based squad improves to nine wins, while CSJL succumbs to their second straight defeat, dropping to 10-3.

If PCU wins their final match against Mapua Institute of Technology on September 6 and Letran loses to rival San Beda College on the same day, a playoff between Philippine Christian and the Knights for the twice-to-beat advantage would take place, thus their match-up would become a virtual best-of-three.

Espinas topped his team with 18 points, going with eight rebounds. Castro finished with 17 and five steals, while Robby David had 11 markers and six boards.

On the other hand, Boyet Bautista led the Knights 14 points. Hafer Mondragon did ten markers and eight rebounds.

Aaron Aban had a combination of a good and bad day with 12 points, 14 caroms, two assists, two steals, and two blocks. However, he was 6/20 on the field, going blank from the three-point area.

“Sabi ng mga school officials, offeran ng laro si coach,” Dualan relayed. He shared to his players to give him consideration since he is just by himself on the Dolphins bench.

Points were coming in far and between as both teams combined for 21 points in the first quarter. Castro, making sure that all eyes were on him by wearing mismatched high and low-cut socks, sparked a 14-2 Dolphin run, swiping the possession away in three instances for fastbreak baskets. However, Letran had the final say as Bautista swished a three-pointer at the buzzer.

The Knights tried their hardest but could just come close to two in the third canto. Espinas had a shake-and-bake moment against John Realista for a six-point lead, 40-34, 3:40.

Aban was able to tie the count to start the fourth quarter, but that was all she wrote for CSJL.

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Note: This originally appeared in UBelt.com.

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