After losing four of its last five games, Perpetual finally showed back their grit inside the court and overcame Letran Knights with an 88-82 overtime victory on Thursday in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
“Simple lang, we play na walang pressure and walang hesitation, especially in the offense,” said Coach Jimwell Gican.
Prince Eze proved his place as an MVP frontrunner, after finishing with a double-double of 21 points and 19 rebounds, but it was Gab Dagangon, who have been the most vital player in the overtime period.
Dagangon’s back-to-back clutch baskets gave Perpetual an 82-77 comfortable lead, while Eze finished the game with a dagger.
Dagangon finished with 21 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. GJ Ylagan had 18 points and three rebounds, while AJ Coronel added 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.
On the other hand, JP Calvo led the Knights with 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Bong Quinto had 15 points and six rebounds, before being fouled out from the game at the 1:43 mark during the overtime period.
Rey Nambatac added a double-double record of 15 point and 12 rebounds in the defeat.
Letran Knights dropped to an equal 5-5 win-loss slate in the team standings, sending them into the fourth place, while Perpetual now have a 4-6 record.
Perpetual will try to continue a winning streak as they face the San Sebastian Stags on Tuesday, while Letan will face the JRU Heavy Bombers on Thursday.
