Letran outlasts CEU in OT, arranges PBA D-League semis duel with rival San Beda

Wang's Basketball @27-Letran weathered CEU in overtime, 94-87, to arrange a semifinals showdown with Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda University in the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup on Tuesday at the Paco Arena.

Team captain Kurt Reyson took over the scoring cudgels, finishing with a game-high 27 points off the bench alongside six rebounds, five assists, and a steal as the twice-to-beat Knights escaped the Scorpions in the quarterfinals to set up the duel with their longtime NCAA rivals in the next round.

Deo Cuajao produced 15 markers, five boards, and five steals while Kobe Monje and Kyle Tolentino listed 12 and 11 points apiece.

The reigning three-time NCAA champions were down by 11 at one point before a huge fourth quarter saw them surge ahead with a 12-2 run to tie the ballgame at 79-all and force an extra period.

They then opened the overtime with an 8-0 rampage instigated by back-to-back triples from Reyson and Tolentino, 87-79. Tolentino's three-pointer off an assist from Kint Ariar sent Letran to a 92-87 cushion in the final minute.

Ron Rei Tolentino led CEU with 25 points, four rebounds, and three assists while Ayodeji Balogun chipped in a double-double effort of 17 markers and 17 boards laced with six blocks.

Earlier, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA defeated PSP Gymers to book a semifinals duel with defending champion EcoOil-La Salle.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News