NCAA: Perpetual banks on late rally to slip past San Sebastian

Perpetual Help vs San Sebastian in the NCAA Season 98. –NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Perpetual Help used a late surge to overcome returning San Sebastian, 61-57, in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Saturday.

After being caught in a neck-and-neck affair in the first three quarters, the Altas zoomed past the Golden Stags in a momentous fourth quarter to hike their record to 3-3.

“I told them to forget our game against Lyceum. This is where we should get our confidence. Our game plan was executed well so it resulted in a win,” Altas’ head coach Myk Saguiguit said.

Perpetual Help fumbled a huge lead in its 82-77 loss to Lyceum on Wednesday while San Sebastian played its first game back since being put under health and safety protocols.

Trailing 51-57 in the middle of the fourth quarter, the Altas cruised on a 10-0 run capped by a Mark Omega bucket with 3:29 remaining to take over the game, 61-57.

Jielo Razon fueled Perpetual to its third victory with 14 points and five rebounds while Omega finished with nine points and 11 rebounds.

San Sebastian, which dropped to a 2-3 card, relied on Ken Villapando with 14 markers and eight boards. Romel Calahat had a double-double in a losing effort with 11 markers and 12 boards.

The Scores:

PERPETUAL 61 — Razon 14, Nitura 9, Omega 9, Flores 8, Abis 6, Martel 5, Barcuma 4, Egan 3, Roque 2, Boral 1, Ferreras 0, Cuevas 0.

SAN SEBASTIAN 57 — Villapando 14, Calahat 11, Yambing 9, Sumoda 8, Desoyo 7, Altamirano 5, Suico 3, Are 0, Escobido 0, Una 0, Cosari 0, Shanoda 0.

Quarters: 18-16, 28-27, 40-45, 61-57.