By: Miguel Caramoan
In a clash of winless squads in Group A, San Sebastian College-Recoletos gave head coach Rob Labagala his first victory in the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Tournament with a 100-94 double-overtime triumph over Lyceum of the Philippines University, Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
After struggling to rally from double-digit deficits in their first two games against the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas and Arellano Chiefs, the Golden Stags bounced back from a 19-point first-half deficit against the Pirates.
The game turned in the third quarter, as San Sebastian went on a 10-0 run to tie it at 58 with 2:53 remaining.
From there, both teams exchanged baskets, neither able to pull away until the Golden Stags finally seized control in the second overtime.
The win moves San Sebastian into the win column in Group A with a 1-2 record, leaving Lyceum as the only team still winless among the five squads.
“Before we were able to get this win, ang hirap ng pinagdaanan namin,” Golden Stags head coach Rob Labagala said.
“Pero, it’s a good win for us kasi it’s not just a positive thing to win, nakakuha din kami ng ganitong klaseng experience as early as now,” the former UE Red Warrior added.
Christian Ricio led the Golden Stags with 25 points on 52.6% shooting. Meanwhile, Ian Cuajao drilled a dagger triple to give San Sebastian a 98-94 cushion late in the second overtime and finished with 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Jhuniel Dela Rama dominated the boards with 15 points and 23 rebounds, including 11 on the offensive end.
The Golden Stags’ 33 offensive rebounds compared to Lyceum’s five proved decisive, giving them a 23-5 edge in second-chance points.
San Sebastian looks to carry this momentum into their matchup against defending champion Mapua Cardinals on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
For Lyceum, it was their second double-overtime loss of the season, mirroring their 90-89 defeat to Mapua in the opener.
Ato Barba’s season-best 32 points and six rebounds went in vain, including a three-pointer that sent the game to second overtime at 87-all.
Joshua Moralejo was a perfect 5-of-5 from the field in the first half and finished with 19 points, while Renz Villegas added 15 off the bench.
The Pirates will look to notch their first win of the season on Tuesday against the Arellano Chiefs, also at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Scores:
San Sebastian 100 – Cuajao 25, Ricio 25, Dela Rama 15, Castor 12, Felebrico 8, Lumanag 6, Gabat 6, Nepacena 3, Velasco 0, Cabilla 0, Dimaunahan 0, Are 0
Lyceum 94 – Barba 32, Moralejo 19, Villegas 15, Versoza 6, Daileg 6, Peñafiel 6, Abregana 6, Montaño 2, Casiño 2, Aurige 0, Aviles 0, Pallingayan 0, Dural 0, Gordon 0
Quarterscores: 19-27, 41-50, 62-63, 75-75, 87-87, 100-94.
