NCAA: San Sebastian opens bid with win over Arellano

San Sebastian’s Itchie Altamirano. NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—San Sebastian banked on a strong second half to beat Arellano, 60-51, and post its first win in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Tuesday.

The Golden Stags led by as many as 19 in the fourth quarter but needed to fight off the Chiefs down the stretch.

“We just did our own brand of defense. Coach Egay (Macaraya) told us at halftime that we really relaxed. So in the third quarter we really started playing tough defense,” said San Sebastian guard Itchie Altamirano.

With the score tied at 27-all at the half, San Sebastian started the third quarter with an 8-0 run before stretching its lead to 12, 50-38, heading into the final frame. 

Itchie Altamirano led the Stags’ balanced scoring with 10 points while Ken Villapando and Rhinwil Yambing tallied nine apiece.

Axel Doromal and Cade Flores scattered 15 and 12 points, respectively, for Arellano, which dropped to 1-1.