Colegio de San Juan de Letran triumphed over University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in a hard-fought triple overtime battle, 82-73, to seize control of the second spot in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Knights faced challenges in delivering the decisive blow against a determined Perpetual squad, even as key players like Mark Gojo Cruz and Christian Pagaran struggled with cramps.
Letran finally seized the opportunity to take control in the third overtime when Nat Montecillo’s three-pointer gave the Knights a lead they refused to relinquish.
The Intramuros-based team unleashed a 14-5 run in the third overtime, with Jimboy Estrada’s jumper and free throws sealing the nine-point victory.
Deo Cuajao led the way for Letran with 19 points, including five triples.
Montecillo also excelled from beyond the arc, contributing four triples for a total of 14 points.
Estrada was on triple-double watch throughout the game, finishing with 12 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists.
Kevin Santos matched Estrada’s scoring output with 12 points and added 15 boards, while Joseph Nunag chipped in with 11 points.
With this hard-fought victory, Letran broke a three-way tie and claimed sole possession of second place in the standings, improving to a 5-2 record, just behind the Benilde Blazers.
The Knights are set to face their rivals and defending champions, San Beda University Red Lions, on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Despite their struggles, Pagaran managed to contribute 14 points and five rebounds for Perpetual.
JP Boral stepped up in the absence of Pagaran and Boral leading the Perpetual offense with 14 points. Shawn Orgo also contributed with 11 points.
The Altas fell to a 4-3 record, maintaining a half-game advantage over San Beda for fourth place in the standings.
Perpetual will face Lyceum of the Philippines University next on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., also at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Scores:
Letran 82 – Cuajao 19, Montecillo 14, Estrada 12, Santos 12, Nunag 11, Miller 8, Javillonar 6, Dimaano 0, Baliling 0, Go, Jumao-As 0, Delfino 0
Perpetual Help 73 – Pagaran 14, Boral 14, Orgo 11, Gojo Cruz 9, Pizarro 8, Gelsano 6, Nuñez 4, Montemayor 3, Abis 2, Manuel 2, Thompson 0
Quarterscores: 11-10, 20-23, 37-45, 52-52, 60-60, 68-68, 82-73.
