DEFENDING two-time champion Letran pulled away in the final two minutes to repulse Arellano University, 65-53, and gain a piece of second place in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

King Caralipio’s three-pointer at the 4:01 mark extended the Knights’ lead to 53-45 when the Chiefs fought back and cut down the deficit to 53-55 on a Cade Flores drive.

Brent Paraiso took over in the final 1:46, scoring six points in Letran’s 10-0 run to extend its winning run to five games.

The 6-foot-2 Caralipio, who produced a double-double outing of 13 points and 13 rebounds, is simply doing the hustle work that coach Bonnie Tan wanted to do for the Knights.

“Doon po ako nagagamit simula noong na-lineup ako. Trabaho ko po iyon. Yun ang role na ibinigay sa akin, yung rebound, defense. Kaya kahit hindi ako nakakapuntos, nasa loob pa rin ako,” said Caralipio.

Letran logged its eighth win in 11 contests to tie idle Lyceum of the Philippines University in second place and stay within reach of league-leading College of Saint Benilde (8-2).

After a rough patch when Paraiso and Mark Sangalang were out due to suspension, the Knights are getting into the groove of things.

“Malaki po. Kumbaga po, tuloy-tuloy po yung panalo namin. Yung momentum po, nandoon kaya malaking bagay po sa next game po namin para malaki ang kumpiyansa namin,” said Caralipio.

Fran Yu added 12 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals while Paraiso had 10 points, five boards, three assists and three steals for the Knights.

Letran avenged its 69-72 loss to Arellano in their first meeting this season.

“Kasi sa first round kasi, sila yung tumalo sa amin at naputol ang 14 straight na panalo namin simula noong 2019. Nagsisi talaga kami lahat doon, Yung mga beterano, nag-usap kami para bawian sa second round. Kaya ayun, naglabas naman ng biyaya at nanalo kami,” said Kurt Reyson, who contributed with eight points, four boards and three assists.

Cade Flores had 15 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Chiefs.

Arellano dropped to 4-6 in a tie with University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in sixth spot.

Meanwhile, the first game between Jose Rizal Univesity and San Sebastian was postponed to a later date due to health and safety protocols.

The scores:

Letran (65) — Caralipio 13, Yu 12, Paraiso 10, Reyson 8, Javillonar 7, Sangalang 6, Santos 4, Monje 2, Olivario 2, Ariar 1, Tolentino 0, Go 0, Guarino 0.
Arellano (53) — Flores 15, Abastillas 8, Mallari 7, Doromal 6, Menina 5, Oliva 4, Oftana 3, Mantua 3, Sunga 2, Tolentino 0, Talampas 0.
Quarterscores: 14-15, 26-33, 43-39, 65-53.