Stags escape Altas; Bombers blast Blazers

San Sebastian’s Jhuniel dela Rama (10)

(NCAA Philippines)

Games Sunday

(Mall of Asia Arena Arena)

9:30 a.m. – AU vs Mapua (juniors/seniors)

2:30 p.m. – EAC vs CSB (seniors/juniors)

MANILA, Philippines — San Sebastian sated its hunger as it brought down fancied University of Perpetual Help, 62-61, on Saturday to post its first streak in NCAA Season 101 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

It was the Stags’ second win in a row, the first coming at the expense of Letran in another squeaker, 82-81, and their third overall against seven defeats in Group A.

The win was made more special as it came at the expense of the league’s highest ranked squad this season in the Altas, who dropped to their second straight defeat against eight triumphs.

“This will help us in our growth because we’re a very young team,” said SSC-R coach Rob Labagala.

Christian Ricio and Jhunie dela Rama keyed the win, hitting clutch shots after clutch shots and finished with 17 and 15 points, respectively.

Earlier, Letran turned back Jose Rizal University, 85-71, and caught up with College of St. Benilde at second in Group B with a 6-4 card.

Jimboy Estrada and Kevin Santos led the way with 20 and 17 points, respectively, while Titing Manalili presided over the attack with a match-high nine assists that went with eight points, four rebounds and two steals.

Letran coach Allen Ricardo said it was its defense that did the trick.

“We limited them in defense that’s why we got better scoring chances,” he said.

The Heavy Bombers dropped to 5-5.

The scores:

First Game

Letran 85 – Estrada 20, Santos 17, Manalili 8, Roque 8, Cuajao 7, Omega 7, Buensalida 7, Silorio 6, Rosilio 3, Montecillo 2, Tapenio 0, Gammad 0, Gazzingan 0, Yusi 0.

JRU 71 – Argente 16, Herrera 14, Laurenaria 11, Garupil 11, Salvador 11, Benitez 4, Panapanaan 2, Duque 2, Sarmiento 0, Castillo 0, Peñaverde 0, Casinillo 0, Canoza 0.

Quarterscores: 23-17; 49-36; 63-53; 85-71

Second Game

SSC-R 62 – Ricio 17, Dela Rama 15, Gabat 9, Cuajao 5, Lumanag 5, Felebrico 4, Nepacena 3, Segovia 2, Castor 2, Dimaunahan 0, Acosta 0.

UPHSD 61 – Sleat 11, Boral 8, Casinillo 8, Tulabut 6, Gojo Cruz 6, Duremdes 6, Orgo 5, Abis 4, Nunez 3, Maglupay 2, Pizzaro 2, Alcantara 0.

Quarterscores: 18-16; 35-34; 47-47; 62-61