Kurt Reyson overcame cramps, putting up a scintillating performance in lifting Colegio de San Juan de Letran to a thrilling 101-97 overtime win over the upset-seeking Jose Rizal University, Wednesday in the NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball Tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
Reyson had a career game finishing with a monster 31 points on 64-percent shooting, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals while knocking down six three-pointers.
Down by a bucket with 28 seconds left in overtime, a Kobe Monje basket and a Fran Yu free throw gave Letran a 99-97 lead with 13.5 seconds remaining.
In the next possession, Marvin Dionisio turned the ball over as he fumbled an inbound pass to Jonathan Medina.
With no choice but to foul, Ry Dela Rosa fouled Yu. This time, Yu knocked down giving them a two-possession lead, 101-97, closing the Heavy Bombers’ doors for an upset.
“It’s all about heart and swerte. It’s for the JRU’s game na talaga e no? Pero na-shoot natin sa last shot ni Kurt Reyson, he played a good game, 9 out of 14 diba di na pwersado ‘yung mga tira, and free throws niya 7 out of 7; wala na ako masabi sa bata nun. For me, it’s time for him to step up kasi dati parati na o-overshadow ng mga veterans,” said Letran head coach Bonnie Tan.
“So, ‘yun lang we’re just happy with the win. Going to the game talagang blindfolded talaga kami, hindi pa namin alam kung paano manalo, di na rin namin alam kung sino mga first five namin, we’re just blessed na na-pull trough namin ‘to,” he added.
Trailing for most of the game, Reyson was able to force the extra five minutes after knocking down a huge triple to tie it at 89 with five ticks left in regulation.
Reyson opened the overtime period with another booming triple giving Letran its first taste of the lead since 3-2 in the opening frame.
Supporting Reyson was King Caralipio, who had 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Brent Paraiso and Yu also scored double digits with 13 and 12 points, respectively, with the former adding three boards, two dimes, and four steals, while the latter had six rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
For the Heavy Bombers, John Amores punched his way in the scoring department with 19 points, six rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Agen Miranda added 18 points, five rebounds, and six assists.
Up next for Letran is Arellano University on Sunday at 12 noon, while JRU will be facing Emilio Aguinaldo College on Saturday same time.
The Scores:
Letran 101 –– Reyson 31, Caralipio 14, Paraiso 13, Yu 12, Sangalang 9, Monje 9, Santos 6, Olivario 3, Go 2, Miclat 2, Ariar 0, Guarino 0.
JRU 97 — Amores 19, Miranda 18, Celis 14, Dela Rosa 14, Guiab 10, Dionisio 7, Arenal 7, Medina 5, Sy 3, Delos Santos 0, Abaoag 0.
Quarterscores: 19-27, 49-41, 74-71, 89-89, 101-97.
