Letran escapes in season opener

c/o NCAA

Letran kicked off its title defense with a victory on Wednesday afternoon, surviving a feisty Jose Rizal University in overtime, 101-97.

Kurt Reyson had a career day for the Knights, as he scored 31 points, including a game-tying triple with five seconds remaining in regulation.

In the five-minute extension, it was a rookie and a veteran who stepped for the two-time champions.

Kobe Monje proved to be clutch, securing the rebound off a free throw miss by William Sy, then received a pass from King Caralipio for a layup with 28.1 left, giving Letran the lead for good at 98-97.

And as JRU committed miscues in trying to answer, Fran Yu converted three free throws to provide necessary breathing room. The former Finals MVP contributed twelve points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals in an all-around effort.

Head coach Bonnie Tan shared to the media after the game, "It's all about heart and suwerte,"

He adds, "I'm happy for the win. Going into the game, talagang blindfolded kami. Hindi pa namin alam kung paano pa manalo. Hindi ko alam kung sino pa ang first five namin. We were just blessed na na-pull through namin ito."

Tan also lavished praised towards Reyson, who scored ten points in the final quarter and overtime, "Kurt played a good game, 9 out of 14 (field goal shooting). Hindi puwersado ang mga tira. Free throws niya 7 out of 7. Wala akong masabi sa mga bata. For me it is time for him to step up. Dati nao-overshadow siya ng ibang veterans."

Caralipio finished with a double-double with fourteen points and eleven rebounds, while Brent Paraiso added thirteen markers and four steals.

John Amores led the Heavy Bombers with nineteen points, six rebounds, three steals, and a couple of steals. Agem Miranda added eighteen, with five rebounds and six dimes.

The scores:

Letran (101) -- Reyson 31, Caralipio 14, Paraiso 13, Yu 12, Sangalang 9, Monje 9, Santos 6, Olivario 3, Go 2, Miclat 2, Ariar 0, Guarino 0.

JRU (97) -- Amores 19, Miranda 18, Celis 14, Dela Rosa 14, Guiab 10, Dionisio 7, Arenal 7, Medina 5, Sy 3, Delos Santos 0, Abaoag 0.

Quarterscores: 19-27, 49-41, 74-71, 89-89, 101-97