LETRAN is learning to survive without its lead guard, even though winless San Sebastian almost turned the Knights' latest showing into a horror flick.
It took much more than expected, but thanks to Jimboy Estrada, Letran nonetheless survived Baste, 91-89, to stretch its win streak to three at the start of the second round of the NCAA Season 102 group stage on Friday at the Playtime Filoil Centre.
READ: Letran's Manalili on pace for NCAA Season 102 MVP. But...
With MVP frontrunner Titing Manalili sidelined, the Knights have strung together a pair statement wins over fellow title hopefuls JRU and Benilde.
But the Golden Stags threatened to derail that run after unleashing a 31-19 second-quarter surge to erase a 17-point deficit and pull within two, 48-46, at halftime.
San Sebastian built on that momentum in the second half, even hiking its lead to as big as five and putting Letran in danger of a shock loss.
Still, Aaron Buensalida's short stab and Nat Montecillo's split from the line put the Knights ahead by two only to see Niel Castor make good on a layup to tie the tally at 89-all.
Then with 6.7 ticks to go on the clock, Estrada yet again proved his clutch credentials and delivered the decisive basket put Letran on top once and for all.
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