MANILA, Philippines – Letran scored its last seven points from the free throw line as it turned back upset-conscious Jose Rizal in overtime, 69-66, to seize the solo lead with a 3-0 (win-loss) slate in the 89th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Raymond Almazan, Kevin Racal and Jamil Gabawan combined 34 points, 30 rebounds and four blocks to lead the way for the Knights.
The Bombers fell to 1-2.
The scores
Letran 69 – Almazan 12, Racal 11, Gabawan 11, Ruaya 8, Cruz 7, Buenaflor 7, Dysam 5, Nambatac 4, Publico 2, Tambeling 2, Luib 0
Jose Rizal 66 – Pontejos 20, Paniamogan 7, Balagtas 7, Mabulac 7, Juanico 6, Sanchez 6, Dela Paz 4, Lasquety 4, Benavides 2, Abanto 2, Gozum 1, Salaveria 0
Quarterscores: 6-8; 20-29; 39-46; 60-60; 69-66