Reymart Escobido’s crucial defensive stop helped San Sebastian College-Recoletos prevail against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 78-74, giving them a loss in their final game in the NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Friday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Down by two, 74-76 with the shot clock already off, Jeff Egan drove to the basket looking to tie the game for the Altas but was stolen by Escobido.
Shawn Orgo was called for an unsportsmanlike foul after preventing Escobido with a breakaway with 2.4-ticks left on the clock. The latter knocked down the two free throws, sending Perpetual home with a defeat.
“Parehas gustong manalo, pero ang problema [for the Altas] yung breaks of the quarter and execution ay napunta sa amin,” said Stags head coach Egay Macaraya.
With 1:41 left in the payoff period, Orgo was able to knock down a huge three to make it a three-point, 71-74 game before Ichie Altamirano quickly answered with a mid-range jumper to bring the lead back to five, 76-71.
A split free throw from Rey Barcuma, plus two free throws for Orgo, cut the deficit to two, 74-76, giving them an open window to win the game.
Jielo Razon was slapped with a disqualifying foul right before entering midway through the fourth after hitting Escobido with an elbow to the face.
“That was the key there. Nakashoot kami, tinawagan sila ng unspo, we execute good defense and nag turnover pa sila. I guess breaks of the game lang na binigay ng Panginoon samin,” Macaraya said.
Altamirano had his best game of the season, scoring 17 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Escobido finished with 15 markers, four boards, and three dimes, while Romel Calahat added eight points and 14 rebounds.
For the Altas, Egan and Carlo Ferreras ad 15 and 12 respectively while both having four rebounds and three assists.
The Stags improved to 7-9, while the Altas ended their season with a 7-11 win-loss record.
San Sebastian will be back on Sunday against Emilio Aguinaldo College at 12 NN.
The Scores:
San Sebastian 78 — Altamirano 17, Escobido 15, Calahat 8, Desoyo 7, Villapando 6, Una 6, Aguilar 6, Cosari 5, Are 4, Paglinawan 2, Suico 2, Sumoda 0, Concha 0.
Perpetual 74 — Egan 15, Ferreras 12, Razon 9, Abis 8, Orgo 8, Nunez 7, Movida 6, Roque 3, Barcuma 2, Martel 2, Nitura 2, Flores 0, Pagaran 0, Boral 0, Cuevas 0.
Quarterscores: 19-18, 46-35, 57-58, 78-74.
