Nikko Aguilar emerged as the unlikely hero for San Sebastian College-Recoletos, lifting the Golden Stags to an 87-85 victory over the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers and ending their eight-game skid in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil Ecooil Centre.
Aguilar, who finished with 13 points, delivered in the clutch.
He hit a crucial step-back three-pointer before splitting his free throws in the final moments of the game.
San Sebastian initially built a 17-point lead, but JRU mounted a fierce comeback to tie the game at 83.
Aguilar’s late-game heroics came alongside strong performances from Paeng Are – who led the Stags with 28 points – and Raymart Escobido’s 17 points.
And the three proved vital in holding off the Heavy Bombers’ surge.
Aguilar’s game-changing three-pointer – which bounced twice on the rim before falling in – gave San Sebastian a three-point cushion.
JRU’s Joshua Guiab then responded with a quick basket.
With the game hanging in the balance, Aguilar split his free throws, leaving JRU with a chance to win.
However, MJ Raymundo’s open three-point attempt missed at the buzzer, sealing the Stags’ hard-fought victory.
Raymundo led JRU with 20 points, along with Shawn Argente’s 20 and Guiab’s 17-point, 11-rebound double-double.
The three kept the Heavy Bombers competitive despite playing without head coach Louie Gonzalez, who served a suspension for a previous technical foul during their game against Mapua.
Both teams now sit tied at 3-8 in the standings.
San Sebastian will next face EAC on Saturday, while JRU takes on St. Benilde the next day.
The Scores:
San Sebastian 87 – Are 28, Escobido 17, Aguilar 13, R. Gabat 11, Felebrico 8, L. Gabat 5, Velasco 2, Ricio 2, Cruz 1, Suico 0, Pascual 0.
Jose Rizal 85 – Raymundo 20, Argente 20, Guiab 17, Sarmiento 8, Lozano 7, Barrera 4, Panapanaan 2, Bernardo 2, Pangilinan 2, Garcia 2, De Jesus 1, De Leon 0, Benitez 0, Ferrer 0.
Quarterscores: 28-14, 42-36, 64-56, 87-85.
