Kurt Reyson, a 5'9 guard from Malita, hit a three with 5.0 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 89, then continued that drive in overtime to cap off a 31-point performance that included a 6-of-8 clip from deep, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Fran Yu put the finishing touches on the Knights, sinking three of his final four free throws in overtime to finish with 12 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Brent Paraiso scored 13 points, four steals, three rebounds, and two assists before fouling out early in the extra frame, while King Caralipio had 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Letran came back from an early eight-point hole, 27-19, and kept itself afloat with a barrage of three-pointers, going 14-of-29 from deep.
But it was defense that sealed the deal with the Knights, forcing the Heavy Bombers into a vital turnover late in the fourth quarter that led to Reyson's game-tying three before forcing Jason Celis to a desperation shot to beat the buzzer.
It was a heartbreaking defeat for the Heavy Bombers, who attempted an upset against the defending champs but fell short despite five players scoring in double figures.
John Amores led JRU with 19 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two assists, although he was involved in a late brawl with Monje as time expired.
In the losing effort, Agem Miranda had 18 points, six assists, and five rebounds, while Dela Rosa and Celis each had 14 points (Romeo Braceros Jr.).
NCAA Season 98 | Best Player: Kurt Reyson (Letran vs JRU) | Men's Basketball Round 1
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