By NIKOLE JAVIER
It was a scary start for three-peat seeking Letran but good thing there was Kurt Reyson to rely on at critical times.
Reyson exploded for a career-high 31 points as the Knights eked out a pulsating 101-97 overtime win over the Jose Rizal University Bombers in their debut game in the NCAA Season 98 Wednesday at the San Juan Arena.
His biggest play came near the end of regulation when he buried a trey with 5 ticks left to send the game into overtime.
“Nagulat na lang ako nakuha ko ‘yong bola, hindi na ako nagdalawang isip, tinira ko na talaga. Nabiyayaan, na-shoot naman,” said Reyson, who also finished with five assists, and two steals.
That earned him gushing raves from Letran coach Bonnie Tan.
“It’s all about heart and swerte,” remarked coach Bonnie Tan. “It’s JRU’s game talaga but Kurt Reyson played a good game. Wala na akong masabi sa bata. It’s time for him to step up.”
After that 3-point shot, Reyson continued to pile up points in the extra five minutes to cap his sterling show.
He was ably spported by King Caralipio and Brent Paraiso who delivered 14 and 13, respectively.
Graduating guard Fran Yu also shone, scattering 12 points, including back-to-back triples in the third period that enabled the Knights to grab the lead for the first time, 77-76.
“Going to the game, talagang blind-folded kami. Hindi namin alam kung paano pa manalo, hindi namin alam kung sino pa ‘yong mga first five namin. We’re just blessed na na-pull through namin to,” added Tan.
The scores:
LETRAN 101 — Reyson 31, Caralipio 14, Paraiso 13, Yu 12, Sangalang 9, Monje 9, Santos 6, Olivario 3, Go 2, Miclat 2, Ariar 0, Guarino 0.
JRU 97 — Amores 19, Miranda 18, Celis 14, Dela Rosa 14, Guiab 10, Dionisio 7, Arenal 7, Medina 5, Sy 3, Delos Santos 0, Abaoag 0.
Quarters: 19-27, 49-41, 74-71, 89-89, 101-97.
