Jose Rizal University pulled off an upset against three-time defending champions Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 85-79, in overtime to open NCAA Season 99 on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
SEE ALSO | NCAA Season 99 Box Scores: JRU Heavy Bombers vs Letran Knights, September 24, 2023
After leading by as much as 11 points, 33-22, in the second period, the Heavy Bombers tied the game at 56 early in the final frame. The Knights quickly bounced back and led 66-56, before the Mandaluyong-based squad made its own run and tied the match anew at 68.
It was a neck-and-neck affair before rookie Shawn Argente drilled a triple at the 1:45 mark to give them a 71-70 lead. Marwin Dionisio further widened JRU's lead before Deo Cuajao connected from beyond the arc and tied the game at 73 with 3.2 seconds left.
Dionisio made the last attempt but failed to do so, forcing the game into overtime.
After trailing 76-77 early in the extra period, JRU reclaimed the lead and eventually took control late in the game to get the first win.
Dionisio posted 17 points and nine rebounds, while Miranda had 17 points for the Heavy Bombers. Argente had 12 points, while Vince Sarmiento chipped in 10 points. JL delos Santos had nine points and 11 assists.
Kurt Reyson led Letran with a game-high 18 points, while Kevin Santos had 16 points and nine boards. Deo Cuajao had 12 points, all made from the three-point line, while Pao Javillonar had a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds. Monje had 11 points.
Letran will face Lyceum of the Philippines University next on Wednesday, while JRU will go against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on Friday at the Filoil-EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The scores:
JRU 85 - Miranda 17, Dionisio 17, Argente 12, Sarmiento 10, Delos Santos 9, Guiab 8, De Leon 5, Ramos 4, Dela Rosa 3, Arenal 0, Pabico 0, Medina 0, Barrera 0, Sy 0.
Letran 79 - Reyson 18, Santos 16, Cuajao 12, Javillonar 12, Monje 11, Fajardo 4, Go 4, Ariar 2, Tolentino 0, Galvez 0, Guarino 0, Bataller 0.
Quarters: 16-24, 39-40, 56-54, 73-73, 85-79 (OT).
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
