San Sebastian College-Recoletos survived Arellano University’s late rally, taking a 60-51 victory, to open its NCAA season 98 men’s basketball campaign on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Up by as much as 19 at 5:38 in the payoff period, the Chiefs were able to cut it down to six, 51-57 thanks to A 13-0 run led by Josua Abastillas and Jade Talampas.
Unfortunately, that was the closest they got as Tristan Felebrico nailed the and-one dagger, 60-51 with 1:40 left to play.
“Yung battle cry ng mga bata ngayon is they play good defense and make them took offense. So ganon lang,” said Goldeb Stags head coach Egay Macaraya. “When we make stops na namgyayari, we always make na maganda ang opensa namin. So that’s the battle cry.”
It was a tied ball game, 27-all to open the second half before the Stags turned on the jets with an 8-0 run to start the canto that eventually led them to control the game.
San Sebastian was able to force Arellano with 24 turnovers coming off 11 steals that they were able to convert to 30 points.
Ichie Altamirano paved the way for the Stags with 10 points, four rebounds, and four assists while both Kenneth Villapando and Rhinwill Yambing had nine points and four assists apiece.
For the Chiefs, Axel Doromal finished with 15 markers, three boards, and three dimes. Cade Flores, meanwhile, added 12 points and nine rebounds.
San Sebastian (1-0) will face College of St. Benilde on Friday, at 3 PM, while Arellano (1-1) will play University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on the same day at 12 noon.
The Scores:
San Sebastian 60 — Altamirano 10, Villapando 9, Yambing 9, Felebrico 7, Cosari 6, Una 6, Sumoda 4, Are 3, Shanoda 2, Escobido 2, Desoyo 2, Suico 0.
Arellano 51 — Doromal 15, Flores 12, Abastillas 8, Talampas 8, Oliva 2, Mallari 2, Tolentino 2, Sunga 2, Menina 0, Oftana 0, Mantua 0.
Quarterscores: 10-12, 27-27, 50-38, 60-51.
