Letran survives Mapua in OT to extend NCAA streak to four wins

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights prevailed over Mapua University in OT, 85-82, to extend their winning streak to four straight games in the ongoing NCAA Season 101 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Oct. 21, 2025, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Up by as much as 17 points, Letran nearly fumbled the game when Mapua staged a dramatic comeback to retake the lead in the final stretch of regulation, but the boys from Intramuros flaunted their clutch DNA that sent the game to overtime.

With only 1:09 remaining, the Jonathan Manalili–Kevin Santos connection drew oohs and aahs from the crowd as the duo’s two-man game off the pick-and-roll gave Letran a slim 76-75 advantage.

Unfortunately, Mapua’s Cyrus Cuenco answered back with a huge cold-blooded three-pointer that handed them a two-point lead, 78-76.

In the next possession, Letran took advantage of Mapua’s relaxed fast-break defensive set, courtesy of Manalili, who saw a tiny bit of daylight for a drive which resulted in a trip to the free-throw line.

Despite the pressure-packed situation, the tagged “Super Rookie” calmly sank both of his charities, which was enough to send the dogfight to another extra five-minute period.

Letran momentarily took control of the game in the first four minutes of OT before disaster struck when Aaron Buensalida fouled last year’s Finals MVP, Clint Escamis, who hoisted an emergency trey inside the final 29 seconds.

Before getting fouled from downtown, Mapua trailed by two points, 83-81, and nailing all free throws could give the Cardinals a one-point lead and more breathing room.

However, in an anticlimactic ending, Escamis, who is a good free-throw shooter, missed his first two shots and drained the last, rewarding Letran with an 83-82 lead.

Sealing the deal for the Knights was Jimboy Estrada, who knocked down a pair of much-needed free throws that put Letran up by three points, 85-82.

Buensalida made up for his crucial OT mistake with a solid double-double performance of 16 points and 10 rebounds, while his frontcourt partner, Santos, added 17 markers and nine boards.

Meanwhile, Manalili also proved he is ready for the bright stage in the NCAA after nearly tallying a triple-double, finishing with 14 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds.

On the other hand, Escamis spearheaded Mapua’s late-game rally with 14 points, five assists, and two steals, but his all-around effort wasn’t enough to get the Cardinals out of the mud as they are currently in a losing streak.