JP Calvo scored only four points in the extra period.
But his efforts paid off as the Letran Knights pulled off a 79-75 beating of the San Sebastian Stags in overtime on Tuesday night at the Arena in San Juan.
This earned the Knights their third consecutive win in the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.
Their fourth triumph in seven outings sent the Knights up the standings, and into solo third place behind the unbeaten Lyceum Pirates (7-0) and the San Beda Red Lions (5-1).
“Credit to the boys. Character nila, duon lumabas nung si Jeo (Ambohot) ay na-injured. Everybody stood up, and stepped up para punuan ang pagkawala,” said Letran coach Jeff Napa.
Rey Nambatac drilled in 23 points in regulation and had 14 rebounds while Calvo hit 12 for the Knights.
With the count tied at 71-all in regulation, the Stags first moved ahead on Michael Calisaan’s basket.
Then, the Knights got a push from attacks coming from Calvo and Alex Mandreza, 75-73.
After Enzo Navarro hit another on the return play in the last three minutes, to tie the count, 75-all, for the last time.
Charities from Calvo and Jerrick Balanza with 26.9 seconds to go handed Letran a four-point cushion in the dying seconds.
It was the Stags who forced the overtime following Calisaan’s triple with 1:14 left, 71-all.
The Stags forced two turnovers in the remaining seconds, and tried to win at the buzzer off Calisaan’s inside play. But Balanza came in front him to block his attempt.
The Knights were ahead, 37-35, in the last 5:48 when they lost Ambohot to a dislocated wrist.
Calisaan banged in 18 points for the Stags while Enzo Navarro shot 14.