NCAA: San Sebastian deals Letran another loss

Michael Calisaan. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

San Sebastian pulled off a shocker on Tuesday as it dealt Letran its second defeat, 89-87, in the NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena.

Michael Calisaan paced the Stags with 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Jamil Ortuoste added 19 markers, seven boards, and four assists in the win.

Ryan Costelo drained the miraculous go-ahead bucket to put San Sebastian up, 88-87 in the last 9.7 seconds.

Mark Cruz then lost the ball in the ensuing possession that allowed the Stags to pad on to the lead after a Calisaan split from the stripe. Rey Nambatac still had a chance to steal the game for Letran but he flubbed his potential game-winning three at the buzzer.

“I know we had it last game, and we proved it tonight,” said coach Rodney Santos, referring to their first round matchup where Letran beat San Sebastian, 82-76, last July 21.

“My battlecry was 43 turnovers, 42 turnover points: never again.”

Bradwyn Guinto also was stellar in the victory with a huge 15-point, 15-rebound performance, while Costelo added 13 markers, six boards, and six dimes.

Letran broke off a close affair and unleashed a 15-3 tear to start the fourth for 77-66 lead with 7:30 to play.

But the Stags answered right back and fired a 17-3 run to take an 83-80 edge in the final 1:28.

The two teams, then, swapped leads with Kevin Racal giving Letran its last taste of the lead, 87-86 in the last 16.9 ticks.

The defeat wasted Mark Cruz’ 30-point performance for Letran, as the Knights now share the top spot with San Beda at 8-2.

Racal and Nambatac both finished with 12 markers apiece.

The Scores:

SAN SEBASTIAN 89 – Calisaan 7, Ortuoste 19, Guinto 15, Costelo 13, Fabian 7, Bulanadi 7, Sibal 1, Bragais 0, Santos 0, Pretta 0, Vera 0, Capobres 0.
LETRAN 87 – Cruz 30, Nambatac 12, Racal 12, Sollano 9, Quinto 8, Luib 5, Balanza 4, Balagasay 4, Apreku 2, Calvo 1.

Quarters: 15-22, 39-41, 63-62, 89-87.