Estrella nails game-winning, step-back 3 as Mapua stuns Letran

Andoy Estrella. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Andoy Estrella came up with the biggest shot in the clutch, drilling a gutsy step-back three to carry Mapua to a 78-75 stunner over Letran Tuesday in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The senior playmaker took the ball when it mattered the most and drained the game-winning trey with five seconds to spare over the outstretched arms of Jeo Ambohot.

“I just shot the ball and it went in,” said Estrella. “Coach told me to get the ball and take the last shot. I had a lot of confidence before I took that shot.”

The Knights still had a chance to force overtime, but Rey Nambatac airballed his three-pointer at the buzzer.

Estrella carried much of the load for Mapua with 18 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while JB Raflores notched a double-double with his 12 markers and 11 boards.

Leo Gabo, who is playing his first game since serving the last of his four-game suspension dating back from 2015, went on a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc, two of which coming in the final three minutes as the Cardinals mounted a huge fightback after going down 71-65. He finished with 12 points and four assists.

Jerrick Balanza topped Letran with 15 points, while Nambatac got 13 markers and three assists.

Prodigal sons Bong Quinto and JP Calvo almost delivered the victory for the Knights as they took charge in the fourth quarter. The two combined for 23 points and eight rebounds in the losing effort.

The Scores:

MAPUA 78 – Estrella 18, Raflores 12, Gabo 12, Bunag 10, Victoria 8, Aguirre 6, Pelayo 5, Nieles 4, Orquina 3.

LETRAN 75 – Balanza 15, Nambatac 13, Quinto 12, Ambohot 11, Calvo 11, Taladua 6, Vacaro 4, Bernabe 3, Balagasay 0, Gedaria 0, Pascual 0, Mandreza 0.

Quarters: 17-19, 38-41, 56-61, 78-75.