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NCAA 2015 News: Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights made history as it defeated San Beda College Red Lions in a heart-stopping overtime, 85-82, in Game 3 of the Finals in the NCAA Season 91 Men’s Basketball this Thursday at the SM MOA Arena in Pasay. Kevin Racal was the surprise hero for Letran as he dropped 23 big points, while Jomari Sollano and NCAA Finals MVP Mark Cruz hauled 19 and 14 markers respectively.

Letran rallied late in the fourth quarter and halted San Beda’s own resurgence in the dying minutes by winning the battle in overtime.

The Knights effectively stopped the domination of San Beda in the NCAA and broke the hearts of many die-hard San Beda supporters as the Red Lions failed to achieve record six-straight championship crowns with Letran beating them in Game 3 of the best-of-three finals.

Letran meanwhile etched their record in history as they bagged the championship after ten long years of title drought. This is also a repeat of their finals matchup when Letran first faced San Beda in history and won the NCAA crown back in year 1950. Legends Lauro Mumar and Caloy Loyzaga were part of that classic rivalry.

Coach of the Year Aldin Ayo also made his record of sorts as he won two titles with Letran back when he was still playing for them in 1998 and 1999. He later revealed that his players initially did not believe his agenda that Letran will be crowned NCAA 91 champions.

Rey Nambatac, who had a scoreless meltdown in Game 2, proved his critics wrong by scoring vital 13 points for the Muralla-based squad.

The adrenaline filled ballgame saw both teams fighting in spurts and momentums with Letran leading in the first quarter and San Beda momentarily snatching the lead in the second before Letran closed it at 40-39. The Lions again led in the third only to be stymied by another Letran uprising.

The pattern of counter-attacks continued up until the dying seconds of the fourth and in the overtime. In the extended period, San Beda was adamant about the wrong call of the Refs in the charity lane violation called on Dela Cruz. They argued it was Racal who stepped-in first. Nonetheless, the call was upheld and Letran preserved their victory in the ensuing play.

Too late the hero, San Beda veteran Art Dela Cruz still made his appearance felt with 15 markers, 13 boards and 8 assists, while stars Baser Amer and Javee Mocon both chipped-in 14 buckets respectively. Reinforcement Ola Adeogun contributed only 13 points and 13 caroms for the losing Red Lions.

As a token of gratitude for their miraculous victory, Team Manager Manny Pacquiao is reportedly handing-out 100,000 pesos each to all the Letran players.