By: Miguel Caramoan
San Sebastian College-Recoletos pulled off a stunning upset, toppling Group A leader University of Perpetual Help System DALTA 62-61 in the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Tournament clash on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Fueled by a second-half surge from Christian Ricio and Jhuniel Dela Rama, the Golden Stags avenged their first-round 67-54 loss, leaving the Altas stunned in a nail-biting finish.
Ricio, 22, poured in 13 of his 17 points in the second half, adding four rebounds and three assists.
Freshman Dela Rama contributed a clutch double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Ralph Gabat chipped in nine points on 80% shooting.
The game was tightly contested, with Perpetual holding the largest lead of just six points.
Back-to-back baskets from Ricio and Gabat gave San Sebastian a 56-51 edge with 5:20 left in the fourth quarter.
Dela Rama then delivered in the clutch, hitting two crucial triples in the final minutes, including the second that put the Golden Stags ahead 62-58 with 51 seconds remaining.
John Boral responded with a three-pointer to pull the Altas within a point, but San Sebastian held strong on defense during Perpetual’s final possession to secure the victory.
The win marks San Sebastian’s second consecutive triumph, moving them within half a game of the third spot in Group A with a 3-7 record.
The Golden Stags aim to keep the momentum alive against a struggling Arellano Chiefs squad on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Meanwhile, Perpetual fell to 8-2 but still retains a firm grip on the top spot in Group A.
The Altas will look to bounce back against the LPU Pirates on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
