LETRAN pulled off a dominant 93-76 romp over University of Perpetual Help System Dalta to extend its NCAA juniors basketball reign for a second straight season yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The Squires won the best-of-three series, 2-1, for a 14th crown overall, cementing their legacy as one of the most winningest programs in the league.

Graduating floor general Moses Manalili was named Finals MVP after logging 19 points and six steals in the clincher.

June Silorio stepped up in the most important game of his young career with 27 huge points to go along with his five rebounds and six assists for Letran.

It was a good redemption game for Silorio, who bungled two free throws in the final 5.8 seconds last Wednesday that allowed the Junior Altas to extend the series to a decider.

Despite losing several key players led by prolific Andy Gemao, the Squires were able to remain in the throne

“Para sa mga bata ito. They deserve it, na kahit wala yung mga ibang members from Season 98, naitawid nila, and talagang yun ang gusto kong mangyari. Mas mahirap yung [this season],” said Letran coach Allen Ricardo.

Manalili was sensational in the Finals, averaging 22 points, seven assists, five rebounds and 3.7 steals in the series.

“Sobrang saya kasi pinagarap ko to dati pa, bago kami mag-champion, gusto ko talaga yung buong taon ko sa NCAA mag-champion ko, at natupad naman,” Manalili said.

Daniel Padilla and Jovel Baliling were also pivotal for the Squires, contributing five of their 14 steals.

Letran took the opener, 97-80, before Perpetual leveled the series with a 91-90 victory in Game 2.

Icee Callangan, Jan Pagulayan, and season MVP Amiel Acido each had 16 points for the Junior Altas.

The scores:

Letran (93) – Silorio 27, Manalili 19, Padilla 17, Diamante 9, Baliling 7, Navarro 5, Hugo 5, Cruz 3, Villanueva 1, Gazzingan 0, Alforque 0.
Perpetual (76) – Callangan 16, Pagulayan 16, Acido 16, Gojo Cruz 9, Roluna 5, Daep 4, Asuncion 3, Borja 3, Diaz 2, Valencia 2, Baldoria 0, Salvo 0.
Quarterscores: 24-18, 49-38, 69-58, 93-76.