San Sebastian tightened up its defensive screws in the second half and downed Arellano University, 60-51, for a winning start in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament Tuesday at the Paco Arena.
Ichie Altamirano led the Stags with his solid all-around showing of 10 points, four assists, four rebounds and two steals but it was rookie Rhinwil Yambing who delivered the key blows.
Yambing scored seven of his nine points in the Stags’ third quarter breakaway.
SSC’s defense then worked wondrously as the Chiefs failed to score a field goal in the first 4:42 of the payoff period.
Arellano’s offense suddenly came alive, eliciting cheers from its supporters when the Chiefs unloaded a 13-0 run that pulled them to within 57-51.
A completed three-point play by Tristan Felebrico with 1:41 left ended Arellano’s fightback.
Axel Doromal led the Chiefs with 15 points, three rebounds and three assists while Cade Flores added 12 markers and nine markers.
After dropping 15 points in Arellano’s season-opening 63-58 victory over EAC, senior guard Shane Menina went scoreless in 18 minutes of action.
The scores:
First Game
SSC-R 60 ˗ Altamirano 10, Villapando 9, Yambing 9, Felebrico 7, Cosari 6, Una 6, Sumoda 4, Are 3, Shanoda 2, Escobido 2, Desoyo 2, Suico 0.
ARELLANO 51 ˗ Doromal 15, Flores 12, Abastillas 8, Talampas 8, Oliva 2, Mallari 2, Tolentino 2, Sunga 2, Menina 0, Oftana 0, Mantua 0.
Quarters: 10-12, 27-27, 50-38, 60-51.
