MANILA – San Sebastian College Golden Stags snapped an eight-game losing skid with a tight 87-85 victory over Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
Rafael Are spearheaded the attack with 28 points to go with five rebounds, three assists, and a steal as the Golden Stags got back on the winning track with a 3-8 win-loss slate.
Reymart Escobido added 17 markers, three steals, two assists, and a rebound, while Nikko Aguilar and Reggz Gabat contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively, for the Golden Stags.
The Golden Stags were on fire in the opening half as they surged to a 37-20 advantage, but the Heavy Bombers responded with a huge run to cut the deficit to 85-86 with 13 seconds left.
The Heavy Bombers still had a chance to take the lead but Joshua Guiab misfired his layup attempt, the Golden Stags increased the lead to 87-85 via a split free throw by Aguilar with seven seconds remaining.
“Sobrang happy dahil sa every talo namin since nung unang talo, sa third game hanggang sa eighth, talagang nag-sakripisyo ang mga bata,” said Golden Stags mentor Arvin Bonleon.
“Twice a day kami nagpa-practice, 5 a.m. pa lang nasa court na kami lahat. ‘Yung mga coaches walang tulog. Eight games ‘yun eh, mahirap ibawi,” added the rookie head coach.
Marvin Raymundo and Shawn Argente paced the Heavy Bombers with 20 points apiece, while Guiab contributed 17 markers as they dropped to a similar 3-8 win-loss slate.
Meanwhile, College of Saint Benilde Blazers rode on the strong performance of Gab Cometa to score a revenge win over Arellano University Chiefs, 100-77.
Cometa finished with a career-high of 23 points, including three outside conversions, as the Blazers avenged their 73-71 upset defeat to the Chiefs on October 4./PN
