San Sebastian mounted an impressive comeback from a 15-point deficit to defeat Arellano University, 88-75, and keep their Final Four hopes alive in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Down by as much as 42-27 in the first half, the Stags sparked a 14-2 run in the third quarter, fueled by a critical three-pointer from Nikko Aguilar, which shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.
Tristan Felebrico led the charge, finishing with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Aguilar added 16 points, sinking three of five from beyond the arc, while Reggz Gabat contributed 12 points.
Felebrico dominated in the third quarter, scoring 11 points to pull the Stags back into contention, while Aguilar and Gabat combined for a decisive 15-5 run in the final period to secure the victory, extending their lead to 79-67.
“Sabi ko sa players ko, every game is a knockout, a championship talaga, kasi bihira lang ang nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na makapaglaro ng 100th-year . Sigurado pagdating ng 200th year ng NCAA, patay na lahat ng mga tao dito,” shared San Sebastian coach Arvin Bonleon.
The loss ended Arellano’s two-game winning streak, dropping them to a 5-9 record and dampening their playoff aspirations.
Lorenza Capulong led the Chiefs with 14 points and seven rebounds, while Renzo Abiera and Tmac Ongotan chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
With this win, San Sebastian inches closer to a Final Four spot, but every game remains crucial as the season progresses.
The Scores:
San Sebastian 88 – Felebrico 17, Aguilar 16, R. Gabat 12, Escobido 10, L. Gabat 9, Maliwat 8, Velasco 7, Ramilo 6, Lintol 2, Chuidian 1, Pascual 0, Suico 0, Cruz 0, Barroga 0
Arellano 75 – Capulong 14, Abiera 11, Ongotan 10, Vinoya 8, Libang 6, Camay 6, Valencia 5, Hernal 5, Miller 4, Geronimo 3, Espiritu 3, Borromeo 0, Flores 0
Quarterscores: 20-22, 35-46, 61-57, 88-75
