Colegio de San Juan de Letran fought hard to return to the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament win column, as Deo Cuajao and Jimboy Estrada saved the Knights from a potential upset, escaping with a 101-98 double-overtime victory over the San Sebastian Golden Stags on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Cuajao exploded for 34 points, including seven triples.
His most crucial shot came with 16 seconds left in the second overtime—a game-winning three-pointer that gave the Knights a three-point lead.
San Sebastian’s Tristan Felebrico missed a point-blank layup on the next possession as time expired, sealing the victory for Letran.
Estrada, in his return from a one-game suspension, contributed 30 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, adding to the Knights’ all-important win, which snapped their three-game losing streak and improved their record to 7-6, temporarily placing them in solo third.
The game was filled with clutch moments and missed chances, from the final frame through both overtimes.
With Letran leading 77-74, San Sebastian’s Paeng Are drilled a cold-blooded three-pointer with just three seconds remaining to send the game into overtime.
In the first overtime, both Cuajao and Felebrico split free throws that could have ended the game in regulation, forcing the contest into a second overtime.
Kevin Santos also posted a double-double for Letran, finishing with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Knights aim to build on this victory when they face the JRU Heavy Bombers next on Sunday.
San Sebastian’s Are led his team with 27 points before fouling out early in the second overtime.
Felebrico added 19 points for the Golden Stags, who dropped to 3-10. One more loss would eliminate them from Final Four contention.
San Sebastian will next take on the defending champions San Beda Red Lions on Friday.
The Scores:
Letran 101 – Cuajao 34, Estrada 30, Santos 13, Javillonar 8, Miller 6, Dimaano 4, Montecillo 2, Jumao-As 2, Nunag 2, Tagotongan 0, Sarza 0, Go 0, Baliling 0
San Sebastian 98 – Are 27, Felebrico 19, Aguilar 14, Velasco 12, Escobido 7, Ricio 6, R. Gabat 6, L. Gabat 3, Maliwat 3, Suico 1, Pascual 0
Quarterscores: 25-18, 34-41, 60-64, 77-77, 90-90, 101-98
