By MARK REY MONTEJO
San Sebastian overcame a shaky start to stun Jose Rizal University, 72-59, in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Romel Calahat, who listed 12 points, three rebounds and three assists, led a crippling 10-2 run of the Stags that all but sealed their win after the Bombers threatened at 62-57.
Agem Miranda and Joshua Guiab starred in that JRU attack, coming through with timely baskets but their efforts fell short.
San Sebastian’s stifling defense held JRU to its lowest output after averaging 77.6 points in its first five games.
The Stags fell behind 18-9 early on but wheeled back into contest through the sniping of Jessie Sumoda and Raymart Escobido.
That enabled them to tie count at 31-all going into the final half which they dominated that saw them erect a 55-43 lead.
The win improved SSC’s record to 2-3 while the Bombers fell to 4-2.
Sumoda topscored for the Stagswith 15 points while Alex Desoyo also logged 12 points apart from helping orchestrate the team’s fluid offense in the crunch.
Miranda registered 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals for JRU in a losing cause. Guiab backstopped him with nine while last game hero Shawn Argente added seven.
First Game
San Sebastian 72- Sumoda 15, Escobido 12, Desoyo 12, Calahat 12, Are 9, Una 6, Shanoda 4, Felebrico 2, Ra. Gabat 1, de Leon 0, Re. Gabat 0, Aguilar 0
Jose Rizal 59- Miranda 15, Guiab 9, Argente 7, Mosqueda 7, Arenal 6, Pabico 4, Sarmiento 4, Dionisio 3, Ramos 2, delos Santos 1, de Leon 1, Medina 0, Barrera 0, Sy 0
Quarterscores: 9-18; 31-31; 55-46; 72-59
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