Javillonar, Reyson connive in endgame as Letran completes Filoil comeback vs Mapua

Veterans Pao Javillonar and Kurt Reyson put the finishing kick as Colegio de San Juan de Letran clawed back from a double-digit deficit to stun Mapua University, 70-67, in the 2023 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Monday in San Juan.

The Knights found themselves down by 16, 43-27, at one point in the second period before a huge second half turned things around for the three-time defending NCAA champions, with Javillonar knotting the game at 67-all with 2:17 left in the final frame.

The 6-foot-6 big man then gave Letran the lead at 69-67 before Reyson split his freebies to complete the Knights' come-from-behind victory.

Reyson finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and a block while Javillonar chipped in 10 markers, five boards, one dime, and one rejection as Letran improved to 6-2 to gain a share of the second spot with Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Mapua, on the other hand, slipped to 5-3.

Rence Nocum led the charge for the Cardinals with 12 points off the bench alongside four rebounds.

Letran will take on University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Friday while Mapua will face Jose Rizal University on Tuesday.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News