Kurt Reyson drops 32 as Letran completes OT comeback vs San Beda

Kurt Reyson caught fire late to lead Colegio de San Juan de Letran to an overtime win against old rival San Beda University, 93-87, in Game 1 of the 2023 PBA D-League semifinals on Thursday. 

The spitfire guard dropped 32 points off the bench, laced with five rebounds, four assists, and a steal, as the Knights drew first blood in their best-of-three semis affair. 

San Beda once led by as many as 24 points before a huge third quarter from Letran saw the Knights and the Red Lions engage in a seesaw battle as the Intramuros squad poured in 27 in that frame while limiting the Mendiola crew to just 17. 

Still, San Beda had the upper hand heading into the fourth, 61-55. 

It was then a Reyson-Jacob Cortez showdown in the fourth, with the former instigating a 9-2 run to give the Knights a crucial 71-67 lead. But Cortez countered with eight straight points as San Beda regained the advantage, 76-72. 

Down 81-78, Reyson had the chance to tie the game but missed his two triple attempts, but his teammate Kyle Tolentino got the offensive rebound before burying the overtime-sending trey.

Reyson completely took over in the extra period, nailing the first seven points for Letran, 88-81, before he sank two freebies to seal the deal. 

Sophomore Kevin Santos churned out a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Deo Cuajao chipped in 12 markers. 

Letran's win spoiled a huge outing from Cortez, who had 24 points, three rebounds, and three assists in the loss. 

Letran, the reigning three-time NCAA champion, will look to sweep San Beda on Tuesday, June 13, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.  —VBL, GMA Integrated News