In one of the most competitive seasons in NCAA seniors basketball history, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knight return to the Final Four after flunking last season, whipping pre-season favorites University of Perpetual Help Altas, 93-64, at the San Juan Arena Friday.

The Knights, opening the game at 16-1, ran their chaotic pressing defense to perfection, which became their hallmark for the season under rookie coach Aldin Ayo.

Led by the graduating Mark Cruz and Kevin Racal, who topscored with 18 and 16 points, respectively, the Knights earn the twice-to-beat slot in a tie with San Beda College at 13-5 at the end of the elimination round.

The two rivals will meet on October 13 at the Mall of Asia Arena for the playoff for the number one seed.

On the other hand, the Altas will exit the tournament for the first time in its four years under bemedalled coach Aric del Rosario with an 11-7 record, good for sixth place.

The loss came as a surprise considering their pre-season performance and the hype of towering African students Bright Akhuetie and Prince Eze, and the expected all-around performance of reigning MVP Scottie Thompson.

But the complication does not end there.

Three teams occupy the third, fourth, and fifth slot as Jose Rizal University (JRU), Mapua Institute of Technology, and Arellano University ended up tied at 12-6.

As expected, the Heavy Bombers and Cardinals routed San Sebastian College-Recoletos and Emilio Aguinaldo College, respectively, prior to the Knights-Altas tiff.

JRU walloped the Golden Stags, 91-69, with another splendid game from the 5’5” Paolo Pontejos, who fired 23 points.

Mapua then routed the Generals, 88-63, as resurgent hero Darrel Menina played splendidly anew with 14 points.

With a superior quotient in hand, JRU is assured of a final four slot while the Cardinals and the Chiefs will tussle in a do-or-die game, also on October 13.

The winner of said match will battle the Heavy Bombers on a later date to determine the number three and four seeds.