Nikko Aguilar converted four of the last crucial points for San Sebastian College-Recoletos in their 87-85 escape of Jose Rizal University as they snapped an eight-game losing streak in the NCAA Season 100 on Wednesday.
The Stags returned to the win column for the first time since their 2-0 start to the season, improving to 3-8 while the Heavy Bombers fell to a similar record.
"Sobrang happy dahil sa every talo namin since nu'ng unang talo sa third game hanggang eighth, talagang nag-sakripisyo ang mga bata. Twice a day kami nagpa-practice, 5 a.m. pa lang nasa court na kami lahat," San Sebastian coach Arvin Bonleon said.
"'Yung mga coaches walang tulog. Eight games 'yun eh, mahirap ibawi."
San Sebastian got full control of the game early, building a lead as big as 17 when the Stags established a 37-20 lead. But the Heavy Bombers, who were missing the services of head coach Louie Gonzalez, proved there was no quit in them.
JRU was even enjoying a 56-54 cushion at the end of the third, but the Stags got ample contribution from the deadly one-two punch of Paeng Are and Raymart Escobido as well as brothers Reggz and Ralph as they regained a 74-63 advantage halfway through the fourth.
JRU crawled its way back once more, pulling to within just one after Shawn Argente and Renz Bernardo unleashed a 16-6 rampage, 79-80, before back-to-back MJ Raymundo jumpers sent them to an 83-81 lead.
Are would then knot things up anew followed by a crucial shot clock violation by JRU that would set the stage for Aguilar's stepback triple over Joshua Guiab for an 86-83 lead.
However, Guiab made up for it, sinking a quick layup to trim the deficit. Aguilar then split his charities as Raymundo narrowly missed an open three-pointer.
Are top-scored San Sebastian with 28 points alongside five rebounds, three assists, and one steal while Escobido and Aguilar chipped in 17 and 13 markers apiece.
Raymundo and Argente paced JRU as they both churned out 20 points while Guiab poured in a double-double effort of 17 markers all in the second half together with 11 rebounds.
Scores:
San Sebastian – Are 28, Escobido 17, Aguilar 13, R. Gabat 11, Felebrico 8, L. Gabat 5, Velasco 2, Ricio 2, Cruz 1, Suico 0, Pascual 0.
JRU 85 – Raymundo 20, Argente 20, Guiab 17, Sarmiento 8, Lozano 7, Barrera 4, Panapanaan 2, Bernardo 2, Pangilinan 2, Garcia 2, De Jesus 1, De Leon 0, Benitez 0, Ferrer 0.
Quarters: 28-14, 42-36, 64-56, 87-85.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
