Letran withstands San Sebastian in OT

FILE PHOTO by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Letran continued its winning ways after surviving San Sebastian, 79-75, in overtime in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday night at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Rey Nambatac posted another double-double with 23 points and 14 rebounds while JP Calvo hit the go-ahead free throws, 77-75, with 1:20 left and made a crucial steal off the inbound pass as the Knights chalked up their fourth straight victory.

Jeo Ambohot added 11 points and eight rebounds before going down with a right wrist injury following a nasty fall at the 5:48 mark of the third quarter. for the Knights, who blew a 12-point lead in the first half,

“All credit to the boys. Their character showed when Jeo was out and everybody stepped up,” said Letran head coach Jeff Napa.

“Four [straight] wins is nothing. It’s not our main target. Our focus is to win as many games as we can,” Napa added.

San Sebastian forward Michael Calisaan scored 18 points, including the game-tying triple, 71-all, with 1:14 remaining in regulation.

Letran hiked its record to 5-3 while San Sebastian, which rallied from an early double-digit deficit, dropped to 3-4.

Calvo wound up with 12 points and eight assists.

Jerrick Balanza sealed the game by hitting two free throws with 26.9 ticks to go.