Raymart Escobido made sure his last collegiate game was memorable, steering San Sebastian College-Recoletos to a 79-70 upset win over San Beda University in the NCAA Season 100 on Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The graduating guard powered the Stags’ fourth quarter by dropping nine of his overall output, leading the late breakaway as they ended their campaign on a winning note with a 6-12 record.
The Red Lions, though, will head to the Final Four round against the twice-to-beat De La Salle-College of Saint reeling from a three-game losing streak.
"Masayang-masaya kami [sa panalo] kasi aalis na 'yung [ibang] players ko, si Reggz [Gabat], si [Kyle] Ramilo, at si Escobido. Sabi ko pabaon natin 'to sa kanila," San Sebastian coach Arvin Bonleon said.
"At magkaro'n naman ng respeto ang bawat team na nakalaban natin dahil defending champion 'yan."
Seniors Escobido and Reggz Gabat came alive in the second half, helping the Stags erase a 13-point deficit and establish a one-point lead by the conclusion of the third period, 61-60.
A Gabat triple and an Escobido layup then sent the Stags to a 74-63 lead with still 3:20 to go. However, Bryan Sajonia staged a personal run with a 7-0 rampage to cut the deficit to four, 74-70.
Escobido answered, buying a corner three-pointer off a Paeng Are assist to make it a 77-70 affair as Gabat sealed it with a pair of free throws.
Escobido finished with 19 points, two assists, three steals, and one rebound while Gabat churned out 12 markers, four boards, three dimes, and two steals to end their respective collegiate careers.
Scores:
San Sebastian 79 – Escobido 19, Are 13, R. Gabat 12, Felebrico 11, Ricio 7, L. Gabat 6, Velasco 4, Maliwat 4, Suico 3, Pascual 0, Lintol 0, Cruz 0, Aguilar 0, Ramilo 0.
San Beda 70 – Sajonia 14, Andrada 9, RC Calimag 8, Songcuya 6, Puno 6, Tagle 6, Celzo 6, Payosing 4, Culdora 4, Estacio 3, Royo 2, Jalbuena 2, Bonzalida 0, Tagala 0, Richi Calimag 0.
Quarters: 22-27, 42-48, 67-60, 79-70.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
