By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
San Sebastian whipped up a fourth-quarter storm and turned back Letran, 91-84, to open its campaign on a high note in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Sunday, Sept. 8.
Trailing 75-63 at the end of three quarters, the Stags stepped on the gas behind the hot hands of Paeng Are and Tristian Felebrico to prevail and join opening-day winners San Beda and College of St. Benilde for the early share of lead.
The triumph was a fitting welcome gift for San Sebastian’s new coach Arvin Bonleon, who filled in the shoes of former tactician John Kallos.
Are exploded for the Stags with a performance to remember, firing 30 points while collaring six rebounds and dishing off six assists particularly in the crucial stretch of the final period.
Felebrico was equally impressive, unloading 14 points and three boards.
Letran appeared in control with an 81-78 lead in the last 3:11 of the game when Are and Felebrico conspired a 13-0 blast for San Sebastian to grab the 91-89 upperhand with 1:13 to go.
From then on, the Knights continued to fumble despite late charities from Sherick Estrada.
San Sebastian not only unleashed its offensive might in the final stretch but also tighted its defense on Letran as it outscored the Knights in the last period, 28-9.
Meanwhile, the NCAA Board is investigating the alleged mauling of a game official after the Mapua-College of St. Benilde game on Saturday, Sept. 7, inside the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
NCAA Management Committee Chairman Herc Callanta of host Lyceum said a probe is underway after insiders said one of the game officials was allegedly beaten by a group of four to eight people.
NCAA officials, however, refused to name the referee and the personalities involved ahead of the investigation.
“We have to verify everything first,” Callanta said.
In that game, St. Benilde stunned last year’s bridesmaid Mapua, 78-65.
The scores:
First Game
SSC-R 91- Are 30, Ricio 14, Felebrico 14, Escobido 13, Re. Gabat 8, Velasco 4, L. Gabat 4, Aguilar 2, Barroga 2, Maliwat 0, Suico 0, Lintol 0, Pascual 0.
Letran 84- Monje 16, Jumao-as 14, Estrada 14, Montecillo 9, Santos 7, Go 7, Dimaano 6, Cuajao 5, Galoy 4, Delfino 0, Nunag 0, Pradella 0, Baliling 0.
Quarters: 24-30; 48-52; 63-75; 91-84.
