LETRAN pumped back life to its sagging NCAA Season 100 Final Four bid by shooting down defending champion San Beda, 75-71, in a tightly-fought game on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Jimboy Estrada proved he has ice in his veins, scoring on back-to-back jumpers inside the final 45 seconds to secure the win for the embattled Knights, who staved off outright elimination after ending a three-game skid.
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Estrada, the former NAASCU (National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities) star finished with a game-high 24 points to go with five rebounds, and nine assists in an all-around game.
His banked shot with 40 seconds to go gave the Knights the lead for good, 72-71.
After a Bismarck Lina turnover at the other end, Estrada struck the dagger right into the heart of the Red Lions by hitting a fade away over the outstretched arm of Jomel Puno to all but seal the outcome.
“Ako ang nag-demand,” said Letran coach Allen Ricardo when asked if Estrada asked that the final play be given to him. “At the end of the day, you need to find ways for you para makuha ng best player mo yung bola at the endgame.
“Talagang para sa kanya yun.”
The Knights rose to 8-9 in the standings and moved one game behind fourth-running Emilio Aguinaldo College and host Lyceum. They will also get at least a playoff for the No. 4 berth should there be two- or three-way tie for the last Final Four ticket.
“Important win ito kasi we’re fighting for the Final Four. Actually, hindi naman Final Four, but we’re fighting for the playoffs, I guess,” said Ricardo of Letran’s current scenario.
San Beda remained at No. 3 with a 10-6 record and is guaranteed at least a playoff for the remaining Final Four slots.
The loss by the Red Lions also paved the way for both College of St. Benilde and Mapua to clinch twice-to-beat advantage in the semis.
James Payosing led the reigning champions with 16 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals. He gave San Beda the lead for the last time at 71-70 on a three-point play with a minute remaining to cap the team’s comeback from 10 points down.
Estrada then delivered to save the day for the Knights.
“Sabi nga nila matalo na sa lahat, huwag lang sa San Beda,” said Ricardo.
The 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.
Quarterscores: 22-23; 40-38; 57-57; 75-71.
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