Letran needed three overtime periods to outhustle a pesky University of Perpetual Help side, 82-73, and grab the solo second in NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Five straight points from Nat Montecillo and Jimboy Estrada at the start of the third extra period gave the Knights the 73-68 separation, enough to keep them afloat as the Altas lost their steam from then on.

The win hiked Letran’s win-loss tally to 5-2, just half a game behind pacesetter College of St. Benilde (5-1).

It was a heartbreaking defeat for the Altas, whose top scorer Mark Gojo Cruz hurt his leg and couldn’t return into the game when his team needed it most, and fell to fourth with a 4-3 card.

Vince Cuajao starred for the Knights with 19 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Montecillo finished with 14 points.

Estrada had another impressive double-double performance of 12 points -- six coming from the third extra period -- while collaring 15 boards and seven assists, as well as Kevin Santos, who pumped in a similar 12-point, 15-rebound output.

Christian Pagaran and John Boral finished with 14 points apiece for the Altas, who ran out of gas in the third extra period after the Knights outscored them, 14-5.

The scores:

LETRAN 82 - Cuajao 19, Montecillo 14, Estrada 12, Santos 12, Nunag 11, Miller 8, Javillonar 6, Dimaano 0, Baliling 0, Go, Jumao-As 0, Delfino 0.

PERPETUAL 73 - Pagaran 14, Boral 14, Orgo 11, Gojo Cruz 9, Pizarro 8, Gelsano 6, Nuñez 4, Montemayor 3, Abis 2, Manuel 2, Thompson 0.

Quarters: 11-10; 20-23; 37-45; 52-52 (reg.), 60-60 (OT), 68-68 (2OT), 82-73 (3OT)