NCAA: San Sebastian targets top spot vs JRU

MANILA, Philippines — Gutsy on opening day, San Sebastian tries to stay as fiery when it vies for the solo lead in the 90th NCAA men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Stags, who stunned last season’s finalist Letran last Saturday, shoot for a 2-0 start against Jose Rizal University at 2 p.m., right after Emilio Aguinaldo College and St. Benilde start their bids atnoon.

San Sebastian coach Topex Robinson liked what he saw in the opener where the Stags rallied to an 85-83 triumph over the Knights after Jamil Ortuoste’s clutch triple and rookie Rhanzelle Yong’s crucial steal.

Veterans Ortuoste, Jovit dela Cruz and Jaymar Perez took over the scoring load, but first-year players Yong, Jeick Fabian and Michael Calisaan also debuted strong and combined for 22 points.

“I love how my rookies showed up in their first ever college game,” said Robinson “But we’re not rushing them. We’re breaking them in slowly until they get used to how it is to play in college.”

Yong, who moved up from San Sebastian high school, finished with nine points and nine rebounds on top of his key steal.

The Bombers, meanwhile, hope to bounce back from a 57-49 loss to defending champion San Beda on opening day.