Rhenz Abando once again saved the day for the Knights after pouring 24 points, three rebounds, two steals, and one block to go into the Finals with a 10-0 card.

Letran was able to get ahead in the first frame with three points but the Altas did the same in the second half of the game as Jielo Razon kept pace with Abando, bolstering 21 points.

Still, the defending champions did waver and finished the third quarter with a seven points advantage. But the Altas retaliated to cap a 16-7 run, 71-71, with 3:20 minutes left in the shot clock.

Both teams went for a score-for-score play but not until Fran Yu’s floater in the lane plus a free throw off a foul from Rey Barcuma, 76-73. Perpetual did not give up as Jeff Egan released a two-pointer shot but the time was in favor of the Knights and ended with 77-75.

“That’s Fran Yu eh. Sa mga endgame, yun yung specialty niya,” said coach Bonnie Tan.

 The Scores: 

LETRAN 77 – Abando 24, Ambohot 14, Yu 13, Paraiso 7, Sangalang 7, Olivario 5, Javillonar 4, Reyson 2, Mina 1, Caralipio 0, Fajarito 0. 

PERPETUAL 75 – Razon 21, Egan 14, Abis 11, Pagaran 8, Omega 7, Boral 6, Barcuma 4, Cuevas 4, Martel 0, Kawamura 0, Sevilla 0. 

Quarters: 20-17, 36-39, 62-55, 77-75.