JM Calma went all out early for San Sebastian College-Recoletos but he got enough lift from the bench late as they turned back Jose Rizal University, 70-64, in the NCAA Season 97 on Tuesday.
Calma scored 20 big points in the first half to finish with 26, along with 11 rebounds and three assists to lead the Golden Stags to the win.
Rommel Calahat scored seven of his 13 points in the fourth quarter while Ken Villapando chipped in with all seven of his in the final period as well.
The win handed the Stags the bounce back win following a previous loss to EAC for an improved 3-4 card while JRU slid to 1-6.
Calma proved himself to be a huge offensive threat, dropping 20 points in the first half, highlighted by five three-pointers and five free throws, as the Stags built a slim 36-32 cushion over the Heavy Bombers at the break.
The 6-foot-6 bruiser, though, went quiet in the third period which then allowed JRU to keep pace with San Sebastian.
Pesky guard Jason Celis, who only had three points in the first half, nailed a triple that gave the Heavy Bombers the upper hand to end the frame, 51-50.
Ken Villapando, who didn't connect at all in the first three quarters, opened the final period with quick five points, 55-54, before a pair of crucial free throws from him made it a 63-56 spread for San Sebastian.
That lead even ballooned to as much as 12 after Calahat sank four freebies for a 68-56 advantage with barely four minutes left in the game.
But JRU responded with an 8-0 blitz capped by three charities by Celis as they trimmed their deficit to four, 64-68.
A crucial corner jumper from Alex Desoyo brought San Sebastian up, 70-64.
San Sebastian next challenges De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on Friday while JRU collides with Colegio de San Juan de Letran the next day.
—JMB, GMA News
