The San Sebastian Stags shut down the Arellano University Chiefs in the first five minutes of the last period to grab a 60-51 victory on Tuesday and get off to a great start in the 98th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at FilOil Ecocenter in San Juan.
With the Chiefs held to just 13 points in the fourth quarter, the Stags pulled away en route to the win in a tie with three other squads for the early lead.
Itchie Altamirano led with 10 points for the Stags, who now share the top spot with University of Perpetual Help Altas, the College of St. Benilde Blazers and the Mapua Cardinals.
Kenneth Villapando and Rhinwill Yambing added nine points each for the Stags.
“Very satisfied ako. But this is just the first game. I just hope na in every game, nadadala nila ito,” said coach Egay Macaraya.
The Chiefs’ struggled in the first 4:42 of the payoff period as they failed to score a field goal.
But Arellano U finally found its rhythm, unloading a 13-0 run capped by a Joshua Abastillas putback to cut the deficit to 51-57 before San Sebastian stopped the bleeding with Tristan Felebrico completing a three-point play with 1:41 left for a nine-point cushion.
“I think the guys just proved themselves na if we played defense, nandoon ang opensa namin. That’s our battlecry and motivation namin ngayon. I hope we can bring it in other games,” added Macaraya.
Arellano dropped to 1-1 slate.
Axel Doromal led the Chiefs with 15 points, three rebounds and three assists while Cade Flores added 12 markers and nine markers.
After dropping 15 points in Arellano’s season-opening 63-58 victory over EAC, senior guard Shane Menina went scoreless in 18 minutes of action.
Meanwhile, the San Beda Red Lions bounced back from their opening-day loss to the Mapua Cardinals as they crushed the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 85-56.
James Kwekuteye fired 15 points, while Yukien Andrada and Winston Ynot added 13 and 12, respectively for the Red Lions.