SAN Sebastian College and Emilio Aguinaldo College opened their campaign in the 100th season of the NCAA on a high yesterday, outworking their foes at The Arena in San Juan.
Powered by Rafael Are, the Golden Stags turned back the Letran Knights 91-84 while the Generals scored an 87-80 victory over Arellano U.
Are had a career-high 30 points along with six rebounds, six assists and a steal to propel San Sebastian to victory while Harold Ricio and Tristan Felebrico combined for 28 markers.
Raymart Escobido also had a big hand in the win with 13 points as San Sebastian took advantage of Letran’s 24 turnovers.
“Ito, first game namin pero sabi ko nga malaki pa ang pupuntahan namin. Siguro at least magandang motivation sa players at sa mga taong sumusuporta sa amin and nagititiwala,” Stags rookie coach Arvin Bonleon said.
Letran posted a 14-point lead early in fourth 77-63 but San Sebastian battled back and grabbed the lead 82-81, 2:36 left.
Kobe Monje and James Jumao-o’s identical 16 markers proved to be not enough for Letran along with Sherick Estrada’s 13 points and Kevin Santos’ seven markers and 10 boards.
In the second game, EAC averted what could have been a huge meltdown against the Chiefs.
King Gurtiza, who took over for the Generals in the overtime period, sizzled with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and a block while Harvey Pagsanjan flirted with a double-double of 13 markers and nine boards.
Lorenz Capulong and Maverick Vinoya each tallied a double-double performance for the Chiefs, with the former having 18 points and 13 rebounds while the latter had 13 markers and 10 boards in the losing effort.
