By: Alyssa Aquino
Photo by Patrick Romero/ The LANCE.
Letran Knights clinched their third consecutive win in thrilling overtime against Perpetual Altas, 82-80, Friday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
Bonbon Batiller spearheaded the Knights tallying 22 markers while Renato Ular had himself a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds.
After consecutive lead changes, Jerrick Balanza fired three points, which favored the Knights, 66-70, with 1:18 remaining in the fourth quarter. Ben Adamos was fouled on the ensuing play and split his free throws to cut Letran's lead to three, 67-70.
Jeo Ambohot had the chance to extend the Knights' lead but botched two from the charity stripe, 32 seconds on the clock. However, Edgar Charcos converted a three-point on his own in a crucial four seconds, leading into an intense overtime game.
It was a tight battle which saw seven lead changes. Batiller made the much needed separation after setting off a free throw. Jielo Razon tried to send the game into a double overtime with a jumper from the right wing but missed. Ambohot secured the rebound which sealed the Altas' fate.
Meanwhile, Coach Bonnie Tan shared how he challenged Ular who posted his career-best performance.
“Naka double-double siya ngayon, but we got him because of his good rebounding skills. The past two games single digits lang, so tinakot ko ‘to, ‘pag single digits pa rin rebound mo, o-off the bench na kita at gagamit na ng ibang bigs. So ayun, medyo natakot ata, kaya he had 13 rebounds,” he said.
On the other hand, Ular admits that Tan really pushed him to break out of his shell.
“Kung anong papatrabaho ni coach gagawin ko talaga. Kung anong sasabihin niya gagawin ko basta manalo lang kami,” said Ular.
Edgar Charcos led the Altas with 15 points, eight rebounds, and ten assists, without missing his two-pointers.
The Knights will be playing against the EAC Generals on Tuesday, July 23, at the Filoil Fying V Centre.
The Scores:
Letran (82) - Batiller 22, Ular 19, Muyang 10, Ambohot 9, Balanza 9, Caralipio 5, Sangalang 5, Yu 2, Olivario 1, Mina 0, Reyson 0, Pambid 0, Javillonar 0
UPHSD (80) - Charcos 15, Peralta 14, Sese 13, Adamos 12, Aurin 11, Razon 11, Sevilla 2, Egan 2, Lanoy 0, Tamayo 0, Giussani 0, Barasi 0, Cuevas 0
Quarter scores: 11-17, 33-30, 56-48, 70-70, 82-80 (OT)