Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
San Sebastian overstayed its welcome and proceeded to run over host Arellano, 65-56, in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament Thursday at Arellano Gym.
The Stags bounced back from an opening day loss and improved to a 1-1 record, the same slate as the Chiefs.
RK Ilagan capped the Stags’ 9-0 game-closing run with a booming triple from the right wing to give San Sebastian a 61-50 lead with 2:00 left in the match.
Stags head coach Egay Macaraya was proud his team was able to pull-off a win against a hostile Arellano crowd, considering any movement from the Chiefs triggered the home fans.
“This win lifts our morale and it really is a disadvantage when Arellano tries to make a comeback, the intensity is far from normal so it’s really hard to hold our composure,” said Macaraya.
“But, I told my players that it’s about the desire to win and we have to compete and forget about the fact that this is the Chiefs’ homecourt.”
Michael Calisaan led San Sebastian with 12 points and 13 boards, six of which came off the offensive board, while Alyyn Bulanadi and JM Calma added 10 points, apiece.
Kent Salado had 15 points to pace Arellano.