Big Test for Letran with Titing Sidelined

Maintaining an unblemished record is never easy, and Colegio de San Juan de Letran found that out the hard way after absorbing its first defeat of the season against Arellano University.

The Knights sorely felt the absence of star floor general Jonathan “Titing” Manalili, who watched from the bench in street clothes after hurting his hand in their previous matchup against EAC.

“Natukod ko no’ng EAC no’ng natapos ‘yung second quarter. Na-sprain ‘yung buto. Wala naman, ‘di naman siya na-fracture, wala namang nasira. Need ko lang ipagpahinga pa para gumaling,” Manalili revealed.

While tests ruled out fractures or structural tears, the medical diagnosis remains a heavy blow: a two-to-four-week hiatus right at the most crucial stretch of Letran’s campaign.

“Itatry. Ang sabi kasi ng doktor 2 to 4 weeks, so let’s see kung anong mangyari. Wala, magpa-pray na lang ako kung mas mapadali siya,” he shared.

Missing upcoming heavyweight clashes against San Beda, JRU, Mapúa, and Benilde is what stings the most for the sophomore playmaker.

“Sobrang crucial kasi ‘yun talaga ‘yung pinaghahandaan ko na mga team,” Manalili admitted. “No’ng nalaman ko kung ilang weeks ‘yung recovery, medyo nalungkot ako kasi nga talagang gusto ko na silang makalaban bago pumasok sa elimination.”

Even while glued to the sidelines, Manalili kept his spirits high and chose to find the silver lining despite Arellano dealing them an 82-81 heartbreaker for their first loss of the season. 

“Mas mabuti na nangyari ‘to nang maaga kasi nga para ma-figure out namin at mabigyan ng solution ‘tong mga gan’tong moments,” he said.

The challenge now shifts to the rest of the Knights, who must urgently figure out how to win without Manalili—especially with tough Group A contenders waiting in line.