Knights Claim Twice-to-Beat Advantage After Last-Second Three
Jimboy Estrada buried a game-winning three-pointer with 2.2 seconds remaining as Letran escaped Perpetual, 85-83, on Tuesday. The Knights completed the NCAA Season 102 preliminary round at 9-4, securing Group B’s top seed and twice-to-beat protection.
Jimboy Estrada Lifts Letran Past Perpetual
Aeron Paul Valderrama reported that Letran trailed 83-82 with 6.9 seconds remaining before turning toward Estrada for the decisive possession. Estrada pulled up from beyond the arc and converted the go-ahead three-pointer, leaving Perpetual only 2.2 seconds to respond.
The Altas failed to complete their ensuing inbound play, allowing Letran to preserve its two-point victory at the Filoil Centre. Estrada finished with 19 points, four assists, and three rebounds while delivering his second game-winning basket of Season 102.
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Estrada Buries Winner With 2.2 Seconds Remaining
Estrada received the ball with Letran trailing by one before converting the three-pointer that ultimately decided Tuesday’s contest. His latest winner followed another decisive basket against San Sebastian earlier during Letran’s successful Season 102 preliminary-round campaign.
Letran Rallies From Six-Point Fourth-Quarter Deficit
Letran controlled the opening quarter 33-21 before Perpetual reduced the Knights’ halftime advantage to only two points, 45-43. The Altas then outscored Letran during the third period, carrying a 69-63 advantage into the decisive fourth quarter.
Perpetual remained ahead 81-78 late before Titing Manalili produced four consecutive points, giving Letran an 82-81 advantage. JM Tulabut answered with a jumper for an 83-82 Perpetual lead before Estrada delivered Letran’s final response.
Manalili Sets Up Estrada’s Decisive Three-Pointer
Manalili scored four straight points to erase Perpetual’s late three-point advantage and put Letran ahead with 20 seconds remaining. Tulabut briefly restored Perpetual’s lead before Estrada converted the game-winning three-pointer during Letran’s next and ultimately decisive possession.
Estrada and Gammad Score 19 Points Each
Estrada and Chad Gammad shared Letran’s scoring lead with 19 points each during the Knights’ final preliminary-round assignment. Gammad also collected three rebounds and three assists, while Estrada contributed four assists and three boards alongside his scoring.
Justin Cargo supplied 11 points, while Kevin Santos contributed another 10 as four Letran players reached double figures. Manalili finished with five points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals after providing his important late-game scoring burst.
Knights Respond After Previous Loss to EAC
Estrada said Letran entered the Perpetual game determined to respond after losing its previous assignment against Emilio Aguinaldo College. He explained that the earlier defeat remained with the Knights while they prepared for their final preliminary-round contest.
“Sabi ko at sinabi sa coaches namin na babawi kami. Hindi puwedeng hindi kami bumawi,” Estrada said.
“Nasaktan talaga kami sa last game namin sa EAC. Nag-prepare kami para dito sa Perpetual,” he added.
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Letran Secures Top Seed With 9-4 Record
The victory completed Letran’s preliminary-round schedule at 9-4, securing the Group B top seed entering the NCAA quarterfinals. The Knights also earned twice-to-beat protection, requiring only one quarterfinal victory while their eventual opponent must defeat them twice.
Letran will face the winner of the play-in matchup between Mapúa University and Lyceum of the Philippines University. Mapúa holds twice-to-beat protection in that play-in matchup, while Lyceum must win twice to reach the quarterfinal round.
Knights Carry Twice-to-Beat Quarterfinal Advantage
Letran’s 9-4 record placed the Knights ahead of EAC, Arellano, Perpetual, and San Sebastian in the final Group B standings. Their quarterfinal opponent will emerge from the Mapúa-Lyceum play-in, with Letran needing one victory to secure semifinal advancement.
Perpetual Heads to Play-In Against San Sebastian
Tulabut led Perpetual with 12 points, while Gelo Gelsano recorded 11 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. Shawn Orgo added 10 points as the Altas nearly overturned Letran’s strong opening quarter before falling during the final possession.
Perpetual completed the preliminary round at 4-9, finishing fourth in Group B and advancing into the NCAA play-in stage. The Altas will face San Sebastian with twice-to-beat protection, giving Perpetual two opportunities to secure one quarterfinal berth.
Altas Finish Preliminary Round at 4-9
Perpetual finished behind Letran, EAC, and Arellano while remaining ahead of winless San Sebastian in the Group B standings. The Altas now meet San Sebastian in the play-in, where one Perpetual victory would send them into the quarterfinals.
Analytical Breakdown: Letran Must Maintain Urgency Despite Advantage
Estrada gives Letran a dependable late-game creator whose scoring and decision-making can stabilize possessions when postseason pressure increases. Letran’s twice-to-beat advantage becomes most valuable when the Knights maintain urgency instead of relying on their postseason safety net. The Knights must manage leads better because stronger opponents could punish defensive lapses before Estrada receives another closing opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who hit the game-winning shot for Letran?
Jimboy Estrada buried the game-winning three-pointer with 2.2 seconds remaining to give Letran an 85-83 victory over Perpetual.
How many points did Jimboy Estrada score?
Estrada finished with 19 points, four assists, and three rebounds while delivering Letran’s decisive three-pointer during the final seconds.
What is Letran’s record entering the quarterfinals?
Letran completed the NCAA Season 102 preliminary round with a 9-4 record and secured the Group B top seed.
Does Letran have a twice-to-beat advantage?
Yes, Letran earned twice-to-beat protection and needs only one quarterfinal victory to advance against its eventual postseason opponent.
Who will Perpetual face in the play-in round?
Perpetual will face San Sebastian with twice-to-beat protection after completing the preliminary round with a 4-9 record.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from GMA Network.
