LETRAN TRIUMPHS OVER JRU IN NCAA SEASON 100 CLASH

Colegio de San Juan de Letran secured their first victory of NCAA Season 100 with a 70-62 win over Jose Rizal University on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The game, marked by intense back-and-forth action, was tied at 56-all as the fourth quarter progressed. Letran's Jimboy Estrada and Deo Cuajao stepped up in the clutch, leading a decisive late surge. The Knights outpaced the Heavy Bombers with a 10-6 run in the final six minutes, giving the Knights a 66-58 edge.

JRU's Shawn Argente tried to narrow the gap with a corner three-pointer at the 1:49 mark, cutting the deficit to 61-66. 

However, Estrada responded with a critical midrange jumper with 47 seconds left, extending Letran's lead to 68-61. He then cemented the win with two free throws in the final moments of the game.

This victory boosts Letran to a 1-1 record in the tournament, while JRU remains winless with a 0-2 slate. Estrada was the standout performer for Letran, delivering 22 points on an efficient 9-of-15 shooting and grabbing nine rebounds. James Miller also made significant contributions, adding 16 points and five assists, including a crucial spark in the latter part of the third quarter.

Looking ahead, Letran will face Arellano University on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m. at the same venue, aiming to build on their recent success.