Letran’s Jimboy Estrada during a game against San Beda in NCAA Season 100.–NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Jimboy Estrada badly craves for an appearance in the spectacle of the Final Four.

With their season on the line, the fiery guard took it upon himself, hitting two crucial shots in the clutch to lift Letran past arch nemesis San Beda, 75-71, on Sunday in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.

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“Jimboy really wants to play in the Final Four and he showed it today,” said Letran coach Allen Ricardo after the Knights kept their hopes up for a semifinal spot.

READ: NCAA: Justin Sanchez delivers as Benilde beats Letran

COLD-BLOODED KILLER

Jimboy Estrada seals the deal for Letran in another intense match-up with San Beda!

The Knights ended up winning, 75-71. #NCAASeason100 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/t5K7SdCX8C

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) November 10, 2024

Estrada banked in a shot on the left flank with under a minute left and pulled up another over the 6-foot-7 Jomel Puno with 20 seconds remaining that put the Knights in control.

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James Payosing launched a potential game-tying three from the corner that entirely missed the target and the Knights secured their eighth victory in 17 games after Nat Montecillo sealed the deal with a free throw.

“We just did what the coaches always tell us. Rule No. 1, the goal is to win. Rule No. 2, never give up,” said Estrada after finishing with a game-high 24 points, nine assists, five rebounds, a steal and a block.

Payosing tallied 16 points capped by a three-point play that put the Lions ahead, 71-70, before Estrada took the initiative. Despite the setback, the Lions already secured a semifinal berth.

READ: NCAA: EAC boosts Final Four bid with win over Letran

The Lions’ sixth defeat with two games remaining rewarded the College of St. Benilde Blazers and the Mapua Cardinals, both tied at the top with similar 13-3 slates, an automatic twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinal.

“I told them not to waste the opportunity and give everything we have. Every game is a do-or-die encounter for us,” said Ricardo.

Kobe Monje contributed 15 points and Vince Cuajao added 15 for the Knights, who will face the Arellano Chiefs as their final elimination phase assignment.

They’re in a tight spot for that last Final Four berth with the Lyceum Pirates and the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals also seeking to extend their campaign all the way to the championship.

The scores:

LETRAN 75 – Estrada 24, Monje 15, Cuajao 11, Montecillo 10, Javillonar 8, Jumao-As 3, Nunag 2, Santos 2, Miller 0, Dimaano 0

SAN BEDA 71 – Payosing 16, Puno 15, Lina 10, Andrada 8, Tagle 8, Gonzales 5, Calimag 4, Estacio 3, Songcuya 2, Royo 0, Celzo 0, Sajonia 0

Quarterscores: 22-23, 40-38, 57-57, 75-71