SAN Sebastian clawed its way back from a 15-point first-half deficit to frustrate Arellano University, 88-75, and revive its flickering Final Four hopes in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.
The Stags dropped a 14-2 run midway through the third period highlighted by a Nikko Aguilar three-pointer to get back into the game and turn the table on the Chiefs, who led by as many as 42-27.
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Tristan Felebrico led San Sebastian with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Aguilar chipped in with 16 on 3-of-5 shooting from the arc, and Reggie Gabat added 12.
Felebrico had 11 of his output in the third quarter to rally the Stags, before Aguilar and Gabat put the finishing touches in the final quarter with a 15-5 blast to put the game away, 79-67.
Coming off back-to-back losses, the Stags improved to a 4-10 record and kept the No. 4 spot in the semis within reach.
“Sabi ko sa players ko, every game is a knockout, a championship talaga, kasi bihira lang ang nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na makapaglaro ng 100th-year (season). Sigurado pagdating ng 200th year (ng NCAA), patay na lahat ng mga tao dito,” said San Sebastian coach Arvin Bonleon.
“Kaya sabi ko i-grab na natin itong every chance habang nandito tayo.”
The loss was a costly one for Arellano, whose two-game win streak was snapped and fell to a 5-9 record.
Birthday boy Lorenza Capulong topped the Chiefs with 14 points and seven rebounds, with Renzo Abiera and Tmac Ongotan adding 11 and 10, respectively.
The scores
San Sebastian (88) - Felebrico 17, Aguilar 16, R. Gabat 12, Escobido 10, L. Gabat 9, Maliwat 8, Velasco 7, Ramilo 6, Lintol 2, Chuidian 1, Pascual 0, Suico 0, Cruz 0, Barroga 0.
Arellano (75) - Capulong 14, Abiera 11, Ongotan 10, Vinoya 8, Libang 6, Camay 6, Valencia 5, Hernal 5, Miller 4, Geronimo 3, Espiritu 3, Borromeo 0, Flores 0.
Quarterscores: 20-22; 35-46; 61-57; 88-75.
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