The bench erected the early huge lead and rookie Most Valuable Player Rhenz Abando erased all doubts in the endgame as Colegio De San Juan De Letran has successfully defended their National Collegiate Athletic Association seniors basketball crown, outlasting Mapua University in Game Two of the Finals, 75-65, in a jampacked San Juan Arena on Sunday.

The Knights’ shocktroopers scored 25 points in the first half and played air tight defense against their Intramuros rivals, limiting the Cardinals to only 23 half points, which has provided the insurance for Letran’s title defense.

Burly power forwards King Caralipio and Paolo Javellonar provided the muscle in the half, combining for 17 points, as the Cardinals bricked shots after shots from outside and the free throw line, trailing by as much as 18 points.

Abando, who was also named Rookie of the Year, then took over in the fourth quarter to stave off a Mapuan rally that trimmed the lead, 65-70, scoring five points off dribble drives to up the lead to double digits.

The Knights, winning all twelve games of Season 97, had another balanced scoring attack, with Abando leading the way with 14 points and 12 rebounds while pro-bound center Jeo Ambohot added 13 points and nine boards.

Starting power forward Louie Sangalang also did a yeoman’s job with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks.

Ambohot was named Finals Most Valuable Player, inheriting the plum from point guard Fran Yu.

Mapua, returning to the Finals for the first time since 1991, was led by swingman Paolo Hernandez with 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists, and forward Adrian Nocum, who also scored 14 and stole five possessions.

The two, along with Brian Lacap, conspired for Mapua’s attempt at forcing the series to a Game Three decided by clicking from the outside, but their efforts fell short due to Abando’s Herculean efforts despite playing with an injured left ankle.

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