NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion Letran began its bid for a third straight title with an overtime win over hot-shooting Jose Rizal University, 101-97, in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Wednesday.
The Knights overcame the stellar shooting of the Heavy Bombers, who shot 51.5 percent from the field, thanks in large part to Kurt Reyson’s heroics.
“They’re very good in transition, which is why they hit 50 percent from the field. Our gameplay in defense wasn’t really executed, which is to stop their transition offense so we have to work on that,” said Letran head coach Bonnie Tan, whose squad also played its first NCAA game minus MVP Rhenz Abando.
Reyson fired a game-high 31 points, including a game-tying triple off his own steal with five seconds left that forced extra session.
Kobe Monje hit the go-ahead layup with 26 ticks to go in overtime to put Letran ahead for good, 98-97, with 26 seconds remaining.
JRU still had a chance to extend the game to a second overtime but Ryan Arenal turned the ball over with 13.7 seconds remaining as the Bombers dropped to 0-2.
King Caralipio posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds while Fran Yu collected 12 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals for Letran. Brent Paraiso chipped in 13 points.
John Amores led JRU with 19 points that went with six rebounds. Agen Miranda added 18 while Ry Dela Rosa and Jason Celis contributed 14 apiece.