SAN Sebastian survived a gritty Jose Rizal University side that played minus its head coach, 87-85, and snapped out of a long losing skid in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.
The Stags lost a 17-point first half lead, endured a Heavy Bombers comeback, and then found an unlikely hero in Nikko Aguilar in the homestretch to finally end their eight-game losing streak.
Feisty guard Paeng Are led the Stags with 28 points including two free throws that tied the game for the last time at 83, Raymart Escobido added 17, while Aguilar had 13 including the final four points of the team.
Aguilar’s step-back three pointer bounced twice in the rim before falling in to give the Stags a three-point lead before a short stab by Joshua Guiab made it a one-point game.
The 5-foot-10 guard then split his free throws to open the door for a game winner by the Bombers.
But MJ Raymundo, who’s been clutch for the Heavy Bombers all game long, missed an open shot from long distance at the buzzer to sink the team to a 3-8 record in tie with their tormentors and Arellano University at the bottom of the standings.
Jose Rizal went to the game minus coach Louie Gonzales, who served his suspension for the technical foul he committed in the team’s last game against Mapua where he furiously entered the court and confronted game officials apparently over a missed call.
Raymundo had an all-around game of 20 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in a losing cause, Shawn Argente also finished with 20, while Guiab registered a double double of 17 points and 11 rebounds.
The scores
San Sebastian 87 - Are 28, Escobido 17, Aguilar 13, R. Gabat 11, Felebrico 8, L. Gabat 5, Velasco 2, Ricio 2, Cruz 1, Suico 0, Pascual 0.
Jose Rizal 85 - Raymundo 20, Argente 20, Guiab 17, Sarmiento 8, Lozano 7, Barrera 4, Panapanaan 2, Bernardo 2, Pangilinan 2, Garcia 2, De Jesus 1, De Leon 0, Benitez 0, Ferrer 0.
Quarters: 28-14; 42-36; 64-56; 87-85.
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