San Sebastian College-Recoletos snapped their four-game losing streak at the expense of Emilio Aguinaldo College, 78-61, on Friday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Stags improved to 3-5. The Generals, on the other hand, ended their first round winless with 0-9.
Down by one, 31-30 at the half, San Sebastian used a 22-12 third quarter to break away from EAC led by Raphael Are who scored six markers in the said quarter.
The Stags did not look back from there and nailed the dagger back-to-back threes from Jessie Sumoda and Ichie Altamirano after entering the final two-minute mark.
“Yun yung sinasabi ko palagi before pa yung umpisa eh — execution in the fourth quarter. Kasi ang dami naming chance na kami na mananalo,” said San Sebastian head coach Egay Macaraya.
“At least we execute well. Our defense worked and gumanda din yung shooting percentage namin,” he added.
Allen Liwag was unable to make a single basket this game as he went 0-of-7 with only two points.
Alex Desoyo is one of the three Stags who finished in double figures with 11 points together with three rebounds and three assists and a steal. Joining him is Jessie Sumoda with 10 markers, six boards, and a dime; and Rhinwill Yambing with also 10 points and four boards.
For the Generals, JP Maguliano had a game-high with 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting, nine rebounds, and two assists. Adam Doria finished with 12 markers and three boards.
Up next for San Sebastian is Jose Rizal University on Friday at 12 NN. Meanwhile, a tough challenge is ahead for EAC as they look to turn their season around in the second round starting with College of St. Benilde (7-1) on Sunday at 3 PM.
The Scores:
San Sebastian 78 — Desoyo 11, Sumoda 10, Yambing 10, Altamirano 8, Concha 8, Are 6, Villapando 5, Felebrico 5, Una 5, Cosari 4, Calahat 3, Shanoda 3, Escobido 0.
EAC 61 — Maguliano 19, Ad. Doria 12, Bajon 5, Balowa 5, Dominguez 4, Cosejo 3, Luciano 3, Liwag 2, Quinal 2, Tolentino 2, An. Doria 2, Angeles 2, Umpad 0.
Quarterscores: 18-10, 30-31, 52-43, 78-61.
