Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 1) – The San Sebastian Golden Stags notched their first win in NCAA Season 97 after outlasting the Perpetual Help Altas, 63-58, on Friday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
JM Calma and Rommel Calahat led the offensive charge towards the stretch for the Stags to clinch the come-from-behind win.
Perpetual last held the lead in the 3:10 mark of the fourth quarter, 55-54, from an inside dish by Ortega.
The late game surge of San Sebastian started with Calma hitting the trey to steal the lead, 57-55, with 2:34 remaining in the game.
The Stags pushed their lead to four with Calahat running a drop shot from the free throw line.
The Altas failed to provide a good offensive stop in their succeeding possessions as their opponents increased their advantage to six, 55-61, as Calma cleared the glass with an offensive rebound and putback in the paint.
San Sebastian formalized their victory after Kenneth Villapando banked a lay-up with 33 seconds left in the contest.
“This team right now is a very good defensive team and they proved it right now. It’s a bonus for me when they get their good shots and assume responsibilities on the court,” San Sebastian head coach Egay Macaraya reflected after the game.
Calahat paced the Stags’ scoring attack with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Calma had his own mark with 14 markers and nine boards.
Jielo Razon led Perpetual with 22 points and shot six three-point baskets in the low scoring affair.
Both squads are now tied in the team standings with a 1-1 record.
San Sebastian will be back in action on Tuesday against Mapua at noon, while Perpetual will play on Sunday noon against defending champions Letran.
The scores:
SAN SEBASTIAN 63 – Calahat 17, Calma 14, Altamirano 12, Villapando 6, Sumoda 5, Una 4, Desoyo 2, Abarquez 2, Are 1, Loristo 0, Re. Gabat 0, Felebrico 0, Cosari 0
PERPETUAL 58 – Razon 22, Aurin 7, Abis 7, Barcuma 6, Egan 4, Omega 4, Ferreras 4, Martel 2, Sevilla 2, Nunez 0, Cuevas 0, Pagaran 0
Quarterscores: 6-8, 23-28, 44-47, 63-58
