Rookie Rhinwill Yambing proved his worth as San Sebastian College-Recoletos escaped Jose Rizal University, 72-68, in NCAA Season 98 on Friday.
The youthful wingman scored nine of his game-high 17 points in the fourth quarter before fouling out late. Romel Calahat and Ian Suico, meanwhile, added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
San Sebastian improved to 4-6 while JRU was dealt a second loss in a row to drop to 5-4.
Yambing caught fire in the payoff period, knocking down two triples in a row and a two-pointer to send the Stags up, 66-60, halfway through the frame.
But the returning Ryan Arenal uncorked a personal 6-0 run to even things up for JRU before the Stags hit a snag as Yambing was fouled out with 2:46 left to play.
A crucial basket at the 2:13 mark from veteran Ichie Altamirano put the Stags up by a hair, 69-68, as Rafael Are came up with a crucial defensive stop on the inbound pass from William Sy with 30.9 left.
San Sebastian then hit some late free throws to seal the win in the dying seconds.
JRU led by 13 late in the first, 19-6, with Ry Dela Rosa drilling three three-pointers to lead the Heavy Bombers. But San Sebastian retaliated, erasing its deficit in the second after outscoring JRU, 28 to 12, with Suico and Kenneth Villpando starring for the Stags.
San Sebastian trooped to the dugout for the break holding a 40-34 cushion.
JRU regained the momentum come third, retaking the lead, 57-53, as John Amores continued attacking the rim to keep his side in control.
Joshua Guiab posted 16 points and 18 rebounds for JRU while Dela Rosa added 15 markers, including five triples.
The scores:
San Sebastian 72 - Yambing 17, Calahat 12, Suico 10, Altamirano 7, Villapando 7, Are 6, Escobido 5, Una 2, Cosari 2, Concha 2, Sumoda 2, Paglinawan 0, Barroga 0.
JRU 68 - Guiab 16, Dela Rosa 15, Amores 12, Sy 5, Dionisio 5, Arenal 4, Medina 4, Celis 3, Abaoag 2, Tan 2, Miranda 0, Gonales 0, De Jesus 0, Villarin 0, Joson 0.
Quarters: 12-22, 40-34, 53-57, 72-68.
—JMB, GMA News
