San Sebastian claims Season 98 opener over Arellano

c/o NCAA

San Sebastian rode on their defense in the second half to fend off Arellano on Tuesday afternoon at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, 60-51.

The Golden Stags held the Chiefs without a field goal in the first 4:42 of the fourth quarter, providing themselves some semblance of cushion before Arellano fired thirteen straight points to reduce the deficit to 57-51.

Unfortunately for Arellano, Tristan Felebrico completed an and-1 play with 101 seconds remaining to restore a nine-point cushion and what turned out to be the final points of the game.

Egay Macaraya shared, post-match, "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."

Ichie Altamirano led San Sebastian with ten points, four rebounds, four assists and a couple of steals. As one of the team's leaders this season, the guard has embraced that responsibility.

"Sa team namin, talaga role player kami. Kayang depensa namin, ita-translate namin sa offense. Nagawa namin sa game, lalo na sa depensa," Altamirano says. He adds, "Kailangan nagsasalita kami on and off the court lalo na sa practice. Gina-guide namin sila, para sa ikagaganda ng team."

Rhinwil Yambing scored seven of his nine points in the third quarter, as San Sebastian went from a tied game at the half to a 50-38 lead heading into the fourth.

Axel Doromal led the Chiefs with fifteen points, three rebounds, and three assists, as they dropped to 1-1 in the early stages of the 98th season of the league. Cade Flores almost netted a double-double with twelve points and nine rebounds.

Shane Menina, who helped anchor Arellano to their Opening Day victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College with fifteen points, dealt with early foul trouble and was held scoreless in eighteen minutes of play.

The scores:

SSC-R (60) -- Altamirano 10, Villapando 9, Yambing 9, Felebrico 7, Cosari 6, Una 6, Sumoda 4, Are 3, Shanoda 2, Escobido 2, Desoyo 2, Suico 0.

Arellano (51) -- Doromal 15, Flores 12, Abastillas 8, Talampas 8, Oliva 2, Mallari 2, Tolentino 2, Sunga 2, Menina 0, Oftana 0, Mantua 0.

Quarterscores: 10-12, 27-27, 50-38, 60-51