MANILA – San Sebastian College Golden Stags overhauled a double-digit deficit to defeat Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates, 95-93, in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Down 83-93 with under two minutes left, the Golden Stags unloaded 11 straight points, capped by a three-point play from Lauren Gabat with 44 seconds remaining, to take a 94-93.
After misses by the Pirates, Reymart Escobido increased the Golden Stags’ lead to 95-93 with a split free throw before they tightened the defense on the other end to seal the win.
Rafael Are had a near triple-double of 25 points, eight rebounds, and 13 assists to go with two steals as the Golden Stags tied the College of St. Benilde Blazers on top at 2-0.
Escobido chipped in 23 points, three rebounds, four assists, and one steal, while Tristan Felebrico contributed 14 points, 15 rebounds, one assist, and one steal for San Sebastian.
“I always remind the boys na up to the last seconds, hindi kami maggi-give-up until the last buzzer,” said Golden Stags rookie head coach Arvin Bonleon in a post-game presser.
“We take every game as a championship. Walang bukas, pahinga tayo bukas. Win or lose laro muna para sa Baste. Para ibalik ang glory ng Baste,” he added.
Ato Barba led the Pirates with 25 points, six rebounds, six assists, and one steal. They dropped to a 0-2 record.
Meanwhile, Mapua University Cardinals bounced back from opening-day defeat to the Blazers to score a 69-66 escape over Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals.
Lawrence Mangubat finished with 15 points, three rebounds, and two assists to be named Player of the Game for the Cardinals, which tied the Generals at 1-1./PN
