San Sebastian pulled off a major upset in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament after defeating Letran, 82-81, big thanks to a huge basket by Jhuniel Dela Rama with only three ticks left at San Juan Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 29.
Not only did the Golden Stags get over the hump of a five-game losing slump, they also halted the Knights’ red-hot five-game win streak.
Meantime, University of the Perpetual Help outlasted San Beda, 88-85, in triple overtime to secure a quarterfinal berth.
Patrick Sleat and Mark Gojo Cruz combined for 43 points to lead the Altas to their 8th win in 9 games.
Sleat had 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and a block, while Gojo Cruz had 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks and a steal.
John Abis recorded a double-double of 14 points and 11 boards to go with three fpour steals and three assists.
“Sigh of relief kasi we proved na we can compete in the NCAA and I truly believe sa mga bata,” coach Rob Labagala said.
“Para sa’kin nag-struggle din talaga kami so this win, ang sarap sa pakiramdam.”
The coach, however, couldn’t hide his frustrations and told reporters covering the league that they have yet to receive their allowances from their ‘patron’ for the past four months.
The SSC, through Fr. Rafael B. Pecson, OAR College president, however, said that on their part, “all our coaches and staff have been receiving their monthly salaries faithfully and on time. As a Catholic educational institution, we are guided by truth spoken with charity and charity lived in truth”
“We understand that emotions can sometimes lead to statements made in haste or frustration, but these moments call us not to anger, but to understanding and dialogue. We hold our coaches, athletes, and staff in high regard.”
Dela Rana finished with 20 points and seven rebounds. Oneil Castor led the Stags in scoring with 22 to help Baste improve to 2-7 in Group A.
San Sebastian led by as much as 15 points but the Knights rallied in the fourth to set up a neck-and-neck finish.
In fact, Letran held a four-point lead halfway through the payoff period, 77-73, but the Golden Stags would unload seven unanswered points to take an 80-77 lead with 2:46 to go.
Jonathan Manalili had yet another double-double to the tune of 26 points and 10 rebounds but this time, it wasn’t enough to power Letran to the dub as they fell to a 5-4 card in Group B.
