San Sebastian College-Recoletos staged a scorching run in the final 79 seconds to turn the tides against Lyceum of the Philippines University, 95-93, and remain unbeaten in the NCAA Season 100 on Wednesday.
Leading the dramatic finish was veteran guard Paeng Are anew, powering a wild 12-0 closing blitz that flipped the switch for the Stags as they have now cruised to a surprise 2-0 start while the Pirates fell to a sorry 0-2 start.
Are, who was coming off a career-high 30 points against Letran, dropped a double-double outing this time after he churned out 25 points and 13 assists alongside eight rebounds and two steals, but none bigger than his playmaking skills down the stretch.
Two crucial dimes from Are led to a pair of and-one finishes from seldom-used Ralph Gabat and Tristan Felebrico, which allowed them to close the gap to just four, 89-93, after being down by as much as 10 when Greg Cunanan stole the leather for a layup at 93-83.
Reggz Gabat then converted another layup before his twin brother completed yet another three-point play, this time giving San Sebastian a 94-93 cushion.
Adding to the woes of the Pirates was the injury of JM Bravo, who was stretchered off the court with 9.6 seconds left.
Raymart Escobido split his freebies for a two-point cushion while Mclaude Guadaña went wide on his triple attempt as the Stags snatched the victory.
Felebrico also collected a double-double for rookie coach Arvin Bonleon, grabbing 14 points and 15 rebounds while Escobido chipped in 23 markers, helping the squad gain some momentum ahead of their clash against San Beda on Saturday.
John Barba, meanwhile, paced the skidding LPU with 25 points, six rebounds, six assists, and one steal while Bravo finished with 13 markers, six dimes, and one dime before he exited the game.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
