By MARK REY MONTEJO
Despite the challenges hounding the team outside the hardcourt, San Sebastian showed grit and held firm for a thrilling 62-61 upset win over league leading University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in the NCAA Season 101 on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan City Saturday, Nov.8.
Ralph Gabat, Chris Ricio, and Jhuniel Dela Rama sank clutch baskets to preserve the Golden Stags’ lead and thwart Patrick Sleat and the Altas’ late comeback in the closing minutes of the payoff period to secure their second straight win.
With the win — a fitting sequel to its huge win over Letran — San Sebastian improved its record to 3-7, sitting fourth in Group A, while Perpetual remained atop the standings with an 8-2 slate.
Ricio led the Stags with 17 points, complemented by Dela Rama’s 15 and Gabat’s nine.
Sleat, Perpetual’s lone double-digit scorer, tried to spark a rally with 11 points, five rebounds, and four assists, but his efforts fell short as the Altas suffered the narrow defeat.
Meanwhile, Letrán drew inspired game from Jimboy Estrada and scored a vengeful 85-71 win over Jose Rizal University.
Determined to avenge a shocking 69-73 loss to JRU in the opener, the Knights came through with a decisive run in the payoff period to finally pull away for good – thanks to Estrada’s 20-point performance.
The Knights, who started 0-3, are now tied with College of Saint Benilde for second to third places in Group B – both with similar 6-4 marks.
JRU slipped to 5-5.
“We had to limit them para magkaron kami ng better chance to get this win. At the same time, siyempre kailangan natin i-maximize ‘yong players natin,” said Letran head coach Allen Ricardo.
“Magagaling ‘tong mga batang ‘to so with respect to their skills level, kailangan as a coach mabigyan mo sila ng situations of their own,” he added.
Estrada was ably supported by Kevin Santos who had 17 points while Titing Manalili posted eight points, four rebounds, and nine assists.
The scores (San Sebastian-Perpetual):
SSC-R 62 – Ricio 17, Dela Rama 15, Gabat 9, Cuajao 5, Lumanag 5, Felebrico 4, Nepacena 3, Segovia 2, Castor 2, Dimaunahan 0, Acosta 0.
UPHSD 61 – Sleat 11, Boral 8, Casinillo 8, Tulabut 6, Gojo Cruz 6, Duremdes 6, Orgo 5, Abis 4, Nunez 3, Maglupay 2, Pizzaro 2, Alcantara 0.
Quarters: 18-16, 35-34, 47-47, 62-61.
The scores (Letran-JRU):
Letran 85 – Estrada 20, Santos 17, Manalili 8, Roque 8, Cuajao 7, Omega 7, Buensalida 7, Silorio 6, Rosilio 3, Montecillo 2, Tapenio 0, Gammad 0, Gazzingan 0, Yusi 0.
JRU 71- Argente 16, Herrera 14, Laurenaria 11, Garupil 11, Salvador 11, Benitez 4, Panapanaan 2, Duque 2, Sarmiento 0, Castillo 0, Peñaverde 0, Casinillo 0, Canoza 0.
Quarters: 23-17, 49-36, 63-53, 85-71.
