MANILA, Philippines – The Letran Knights once again put in extra work to nail their seventh win in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament as they edged out the win-hungry San Sebastian Stags, 101-98, in a double-overtime thriller at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Tuesday, October 22.
With the win, the Knights temporarily broke a three-way tie at fourth place with EAC and Lyceum with a 7-6 record, while the Stags stayed at the bottom in 12th with a 3-10 slate, having lost 9 of their last 10. It’s Letran’s second extended-time win after a triple-OT slog against Perpetual last September 28.
Veteran gunner Deo Cuajao had the game of his young life with 34 points on 12-of-19 shooting and a stellar 7-of-12 clip from three in more than 44 minutes of action, while disqualified MVP candidate Jimboy Estrada erupted for 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists off the bench, also in a 44-minute run.
Paeng Are was once again a near-hero for reeling San Sebastian with 27 points, highlighted by an overtime-forcing three, before enduring heartbreak in the second extra period as Cuajao sealed the deal with his seventh and final triple for the 101-95 separation.
Meanwhile, the Arellano Chiefs continued their rise away from the cellar with an all-important 66-59 win over Perpetual Help Altas to forge identical 5-8 records.
Maverick Vinoya carried the winning charge with 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting and 3-of-6 from three, while Renzo Abiera made the most of a nine-minute run off the bench with 10 points.
John Abis paced the loss with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists, while breakout star Mark Gojo Cruz added 11 points, 6 boards, 1 steal, and 1 block.
The Scores
First Game
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.
Quarters: 25-18, 34-41, 60-64, 77-77 (reg.), 90-90 (OT), 101-98 (2OT).
Second Game
Arellano 66 – Vinoya 20, Ongotan 11, Abiera 10, Valencia 8, Geronimo 6, Hernal 5, Capulong 4, Borromeo 2, Camay 0, Miller 0, Flores 0, Libang 0.
Perpetual 59 – Abis 12, Gojo Cruz 11, Nuñez 9, Montemayor 9, Pagaran 7, Boral 7, Pizarro 2, Manuel 2, Javier 0, Gelsano 0, Movida 0.
Quarters: 16-13, 33-39, 48-55, 66-59.
– Rappler.com