Colegio de San Juan de Letran buckled down and took care of business in the fourth quarter as it escaped Lyceum of the Philippines University, 80-77, to remain undefeated in the NCAA Season 97 on Sunday.
Rhenz Abando led the way with 14 points, Jeo Ambohot had a double-double with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks while Fran Yu logged nine points, five rebounds, and seven assists on top of making some of the biggest plays in the endgame.
Letran now forged a two-way tie with San Beda University at the top of the standings with identical 5-0 cards.
Lyceum, meanwhile, dropped to 1-5.
The first half saw Letran trailing for most part with Omar Larupay and John Barba leading the way for Lyceum, which erected a 46-39 cushion after the first two quarters.
Larupay already had 14 points in the first half while Barba grabbed nine as they sent Letran on the verge of absorbing its first defeat in the season.
But the Knights started getting their act together in the third.
The defending champions opened the frame with a quick 12-0 run fueled by Tommy Olivario, 51-46, before Abando started heating up, scoring six straight points to tie the game at 61.
But the Pirates seemed to have an answer for every Letran rally as Lyceum was still in the driver's seat, 65-61, at the conclusion of the third.
Abando, who only logged two points in the first half, then completed a three-point play opportunity before a two-handed jam from him made it a 69-65 affair with seven minutes left to play in the game.
A Yu basket proved to be crucial as it gave Letran an 80-77 spread with 22 ticks left before his steal prevented Renzo Navarro from making an attempt to the basket.
The Pirates were led by Barba, the former NCAA Juniors MVP, who finished with a game-high 20 points while Larupay posted a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Letran will next face Emilio Aguinaldo College on Wednesday while Lyceum will take on Arellano University on Friday.
The scores:
Letran 80 - Abando 14, Ambohot 13, Yu 9, Paraiso 9, Fajarito 7, Reyson 7, Mina 6, Olivario 5, Caralipio 5, Javillonar 5, Ariar 0.
Lyceum 77 - Barba 20, Larupay 19, Navarro 10, Valdez 9, Cunanan 6, Remulla 5, Garro 3, Guadana 2, Umali 2, Bravo 1, Guinto 0, Gaviola 0.
Quarters: 20-24, 39-46, 62-65, 80-77.
—JMB, GMA News
