Jimboy Estrada’s timely baskets allowed Colegio de San de Letran to get past its rival San Beda University, 75-71, and stay alive in the NCAA Season 100 on Sunday.
The Knights, playing in a must-win match to remain in the Final Four hunt, improved to 8-9 while the Red Lions dropped to 10-6. The San Beda loss also effectively handed De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and Mapua University the two twice-to-beat semis bonus.
"Sabi ko sa mga bata this is a do-or-die Sunday so bigay na natin lahat, 'wag na tayo magtipid especially on the defensive end," Letran coach Allen Ricardo said.
"Nag-work naman 'yung game plan ko so that's why we stayed in the game. Ang hirap kasi 'pag tatapat-tapatan mo lang 'yung San Beda, all throughout ang galing nilang mag-execute."
James Payosing, the Finals MVP last season, came alive late in the third after fueling a 7-0 run to end the frame at stalemate, 57-57.
However, the deadly backcourt duo of Jimboy Estrada and Deo Cuajao bailed the Knights out in the endgame, knocking down back-to-back triples before the former sank three straight free throws off a Yukien Andrada foul to make it a 70-65 cushion.
Payosing then completed a three-point play for another deadlock at 70-all as Letran veteran big man Pao Javillonar fouled out in the crucial moment.
That, however, set the tone for Estrada to step up. The star transferee knocked down two straight clutch jumpers to take the fight out of San Beda before Nat Montecillo's split from the line sealed it for the Knights.
Estrada paved the way for Letran with 24 points, nine assists, five rebounds, one steal, and one block while Kobe Monje had a perfect 6-of-6 field goal percentage to finish with 15 markers, four boards, three steals, and one assist.
Payosing still emerged as the leading scorer for the Red Lions with 16 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals.
Scores:
Letran 75 – Estrada 24, Monje 15, Cuajao 11, Montecillo 10, Javillonar 8, Jumao-As 3, Nunag 2, Santos 2, Miller 0, Dimaano 0.
San Beda 71 – Payosing 16, Puno 15, Lina 10, Andrada 8, Tagle 8, Gonzales 5, Calimag 4, Estacio 3, Songcuya 2, Royo 0, Celzo 0, Sajonia 0.
Quarters: 22-23, 40-38, 57-57, 75-71
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
