Another overtime game, another win for Wangs Basketball@27 Strikers-Letran.
The Knights battled back from a 24-point deficit and stunned Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda, 93-87, in overtime in Game 1 of the 2023 Philippine Basketball Association Aspirants’ Cup semifinal series at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.
Kurt Reyson took over in extra time, hitting seven straight points that put the Knights ahead to stay and a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.
It was the second straight overtime win for the Knights, who also worked overtime to beat Centro Escolar University on Tuesday to reach the Final Four.
“I want to thank God for giving us another chance to win. We always have games like this but we are thankful because we overcame this kind of trial, especially against a strong team like San Beda,” Letran coach Rensy Bajar said.
“We had a bad start. But our players are born winners. They know how to play in this kind of situation. For us, everything boils down to defense.”
Reyson scored 32 points, including 21 in the fourth quarter, to keep Letran in the game.
Kevin Santos tallied 17 points and 13 rebounds, Vince Cuajao added 12 while Kyle Tolentino chipped in 10 and hit the game-tying triple in the last five seconds in regulation to force overtime.
It was a frustrating defeat for the Red Lions, who blew an early 34-10 lead and a 44-28 advantage at the half.
Jacob Cortez led San Beda with 24 points.
