NCAA: San Sebastian erases double-digit deficit to stun Letran

MANILA -- San Sebastian used a massive fourth quarter to complete a 91-84 comeback against the Letran Knights in the NCAA Season 100 senior basketball tournament, Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The Golden Stags turned a 12-point deficit into a stunning win by out-scoring the Knights 28-9 in the final period.

Leading the way was Paeng Are, who scored 10 of his game-high 30 points in the closing frame to power the Stags to a come-from-behind victory -- giving new coach Arvin Bonleon a glittering debut in the league.

The Golden Stags are tied for first place in the tournament with defending champion San Beda and College of St. Benilde, both winners in Day 1 of the competition.

Harold Ricio and Tristan Felebrico also came through big and chipped in 14 points apiece.

READ: Sans Manalili, Letran eager to wake up from ‘Knightmare’ year in NCAA 100

The Knights, now mentored by champion Letran High coach Allen Ricardo, shaved their napes bald, hoping to replicate their dream back-to-back title runs with the Squires.

It worked for three quarters as the Knights played with high energy until they lost steam in the end amid an Are-sparked decisive fourth-quarter run.

Meanwhile, NCAA Management Committee chair Herc Callanta of host Lyceum of the Philippines University yesterday said they are investigating the alleged mauling of a league referee right after the CSB-Mapua game inside the MOA Arena Saturday.

“As far as details are concerned, we don’t have details yet and we have to verify those,” said Callanta.

The scores:

SSC-R 91- Are 30, Ricio 14, Felebrico 14, Escobido 13, Re. Gabat 8, Velasco 4, L. Gabat 4, Aguilar 2, Barroga 2, Maliwat 0, Suico 0, Lintol 0, Pascual 0

Letran 84- Monje 16, Jumao-as 14, Estrada 14, Montecillo 9, Santos 7, Go 7, Dimaano 6, Cuajao 5, Galoy 4, Delfino 0, Nunag 0, Pradella 0, Baliling 0

Quarterscores: 24-30; 48-52; 63-75; 91-84