LETRAN Knights outlasted Emilio Aguinaldo College in overtime, 93-87, to end their 92nd NCAA basketball tournament campaign on a winning note on Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
Jom Sollano finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Knights, who joined Jose Rizal University at fifth place with a 9-9 record.
Rey Nambatac and John Quinto added 15 and 12 markers, respectively, while Jerrick Balanza and John Calvo had 11 points apiece.
Letran had the game in the bag during the regulation but blew a 72-62 lead with 4:10 left.
Behind Hamadou Laminou, the Generals slowly sliced the deficit and tied the game at 82 with 0.8 seconds to go in the regulation on the reinforcement's undergoal stab.
"Nakalimutan atang tapusin yung laro," said Letran coach Jeff Napa, referring to the meltdown.
"At least natapos naman, kahit nae-enjoy sila, natapos ng maayos ang laro, despite na nag-overtime," he added.
But the Knights made sure it wouldn't happen again in the extra period, holding EAC to just five points.
Calvo put the finishing touches to the victory with a pair of free throws.
After being dethroned this season, Napa vowed Letran will come back stronger next year.
"Next year will be a different story. It's a mix of old and young ones," he said.
The Generals, who settled for a 6-12 card, were paced by Laminou's 23 points and 18 rebounds.
Sidney Onwubere also added 23 markers.
The Scores:
CSJL (93) - Sollano 21, Nambatac 15, Quinto 12, Balanza 11, Calvo 11, Apreku 8, Bernabe 5, Ambohot 4, Balagasay 4, Dela Pena 2, Luib 0, Pambid 0, Sario 0, Ular 0, Vacaro 0.
EAC (87) - Laminou 23, Onwubere 23, Munsayac 12, King 9, Serrano 6, Morada 5, Guzman 3, Pascua 3, Diego 2, Neri 1, Aguas 0, Corilla 0, Estacio 0, General 0, Mendoza 0.
Quarterscores: 17-14, 33-35, 56-54, 82-82, 93-87.
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