San Sebastian pulled off a major upset in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament, edging Letran, 82-81, on Wednesday at San Juan Arena.
The Golden Stags not only snapped their five-game losing streak but also ended the Knights’ five-game winning run.
‘It’s a sigh of relief because we proved that we can compete in the NCAA, and I truly believe in these kids,’ said coach Rob Labagala. ‘We really struggled, so this win feels great.’
San Sebastian led by as many as 15 points before Letran rallied in the fourth to set up a tense finish.
The Knights grabbed a 77-73 lead midway through the final period, but the Stags responded with seven unanswered points to go ahead, 80-77, with 2:46 left.
Deo Cuajao tied the game with a three-pointer with 1:02 remaining, and Kevin Santos put Letran back in front, 81-80, after splitting his free throws with 10 seconds to go.
That only set the stage for Jhuniel Dela Rama’s heroics. Dela Rama hit the game-winning basket with three seconds left, finishing with 20 points and seven rebounds.
Oneil Castor led the Stags with 22 points as San Sebastian improved to 2-7 in Group A.
Jonathan Manalili notched another double-double of 26 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to keep Letran from dropping to 5-4 in Group B.