NCAA: Ortuoste steps up to lift San Sebastian past Arellano

MANILA, Philippines — John Ortuoste erupted with 28 points, towing San Sebastian to a 78-76 nipping of Arellano Thursday in the NCAA season 89 men’s basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.

The young Stags squad were down 60-61 early in the fourth when Ortuoste uncorked a triple in the ensuing possession which put them ahead for good.

But he didn’t stop there.

The 22-year-old guard, who rose from a long stay in the team B, slashed his way into the lane and pushed San Sebastian’s cushion to eight with under two minutes to play.

That cushion allowed the Stags to survive the last ditch rally by the Chiefs, who still managed to pull within two possessions with 10.3 seconds left.

“We just tried to outhustle and outwork Arellano. We know they have a very good system,” said head coach Topex Robinson, whose squad bounced back from an opening day loss.

Ortuoste stepped up as CJ Perez, who was a revelation in the pre-season for the Stags, struggled with just 10 points on 3-of-18 shooting.

Ortuoste — who had 12 points in the fourth — also had a fine showing in San Sebastian’s 69-74 setback to Letran, scoring 16 points in 18 minutes.

But Robinson reminded his players, “It’s nothing if we’re not going to get humbled and worked harder to improve.”

The Scores:

San Sebastian 78 — Ortuoste 28, De Vera 15, Dela Cruz 10, Guinto 10, Perez 10, Gusi 3, Rebollos 1, Tano 1, Magno 0.

Arellano 76 — Hernandez 11, Caperal 11, Agovida 10, Pinto 10, Salcedo 6, Jalalon 6, Forrester 6, Enriquez 5, Cadavis 4, Margallo 4, Nicholls 3, Bangga 0, Gumaru 0.

Quarters: 20-14, 35-39, 60-54, 78-76.