Letran edges SSC-R in thrilling double OT

Games on Wednesday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
11 a.m. – LPU vs CSB
2:30 p.m. – EAC vs JRU

VINCE CUAJAO and Jimboy Estrada alternated in extra time as Colegio de San Juan de Letran outlasted a run-and-gun but imploding San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R), 101-98, in double overtime (OT) on Tuesday and repossessed solo No. 4 in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Mr. Cuajao scored a cold-blooded nine of his game-high 34 points in the first overtime while Mr. Estrada had five of his 30-point eruption in the second extra period as the Letran Knights clung to the win, their seventh against six defeats that put them alone at fourth again.

With his team needing some much-needed outside shooting, Mr. Cuajao provided them with aplomb as he buried a total of seven thunderous treys, including three in the first and second overtime.

For the energetic Mr. Estrada, he vented his ire on the SSC-R Stags after coming back from a one-game ban and capped his terrific scoring with seven rebounds, five assists and a steal.

It was a critical win for the Letran Knights, who repositioned themselves back into the Final Four race.

To date, Letran is battling several others for that last ticket to the Final Four boss in what is expected to turn out a heated race.

And the Letran Knights nearly got derailed though as the Stags had all the chances to turn things around in their favor.

In the end, SSC-R just couldn’t capitalize on its opportunities, allowing Letran to escape with the win.

The Stags stumbled to 3-10. — Joey Villar

The scores:

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

Quarter scores: 25-18; 34-41; 60-64; 77-77 (OT); 90-90 (2OT); 101-98