HOBBLING San Sebastian dug deep and pulled off the 62-59 victory over Jose Rizal University to halt its three-game skid Thursday in the NCAA Season 95 seniors basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The Golden Stags lost grip of a nine-point edge, 61-52 in the final 1:42 of the payoff period, surviving a furious Heavy Bombers fightback that saw the lead cut down to just two, 61-59, with a Ryan Arenal split from the line in the last 12.0 seconds.
RK Ilagan missed both of his freebies but got a crucial offensive rebound that led to Rommel Calahat icing the game with a split from the line with 2.0 ticks left.
"Hirap na hirap ang mga panalo," sighed coach Egay Macaraya as his side improved to 8-6 and remained at fourth place in the standings.
Alvin Capobres paced San Sebastian with 21 points, eight rebounds, and two assists as he kept his side's wings in check without leading scorer Allyn Bulanadi and high-flyer Ken Villapando, both of whom are under the weather.
JM Calma dished out a double-double with his 12 points, 13 rebounds, and a block, while Ilagan got 11 points built on three treys, to go with six assists and three boards.
Calahat also did his part with eight points and 11 rebounds for the Golden Stags.
The win formally eliminated cellar-dwellers Arellano (4-11) and Emilio Aguinaldo College (3-11) from playoff contention.
Thomas Vasquez led the JRU with 13 points and four rebounds, as Arenal got 12 points and five boards in the defeat.
It was the Heavy Bombers' third straight defeat to fall to a 4-10 record.
The Scores:
SAN SEBASTIAN 62 -- Capobres 21, Calma 12, Ilagan 11, Calahat 8, Bulanadi 6, Desoyo 4, Altamirano 0, Cosari 0, Loristo 0, Tero 0, Villapando 0.
JRU 59 -- Vasquez 13, Arenal 12, Dionisio 10, Delos Santos 8, Miranda 8, Jungco 4, Amores 2, Dela Rosa 2, Macatangay 0.
Quarters: 11-10, 28-21, 45-43, 62-59.
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