JOSE Rizal University pulled off a shock 85-79 overtime win over four-peat seeking Letran yesterday in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Agem Miranda took charge in overtime, outscoring the entire Knights team, 7-6.

It was an inspiring season opener for the Bombers, who missed the Final Four last year after going 7-11 due to health and safety protocols, and a second round brawl that led to several suspensions.

Miranda eventually finished with 17 points, three assists and three boards while Marwin Dionisio also scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds for JRU.

Kurt Reyson, Letran’s new go-to guy, logged 18 points, six rebounds and four assists while Kevin Santos added 16 points, nine rebounds and two steals.

The loss spoiled Rensy Bajar’s coaching debut for the Knights, who led by as much as 11 points in the first half.

In the nightcap, Lyceum of the Philippines University pulled the rug from under thwWill Gozum-less College of St. Benilde, 85-81, and claimed an early piece of the top spot.

The scores:

First game

JRU (85) — Miranda 17, Dionisio 17, Argente 12, Sarmiento 10, Delos Santos 9, Guiab 8, De Leon 5, Ramos 4, Dela Rosa 3, Arenal 0, Pabico 0, Medina 0, Barrera 0, Sy 0.
Letran (79) — Reyson 18, Santos 16, Cuajao 12, Javillonar 12, Monje 11, Fajardo 4, Go 4, Ariar 2, Tolentino 0, Galvez 0, Guarino 0, Bataller 0.
Quarterscores: 16-24, 39-40, 54-56, 73-73, 85-79.

Second game

Lyceum (85) — Bravo 18, Valdez 16, Umali 14, Barba 11, Cunanan 6, Penafiel 6, Villegas 5, Guadana 5, Montano 2, Omandac 2, Versoza 0, Aviles 0
St. Benilde (81)- Corteza 21, Nayve 13, Oczon 13, Carlos 13, Flores 9, Sangco 4, Jarque 4, Marcos 2, Turco 2, Marasigan 0, Davis 0, Jalalon 0, Mara 0, Cajucom 0
Quarterscores: 12-20; 37-45; 62-57; 85-81.

Games tomorrow

(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
2 p.m. – San Beda vs Arellano
4 p.m. – SSC-R vs Mapua