San Sebastian stuns Letran; Stags coach cries foul over delayed allowances
At A Glance
- San Sebastian pulled off a major upset in the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament after defeating Letran, 82-81, at San Juan Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 29.
San Sebastian pulled off a major upset in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament after defeating Letran, 82-81, at San Juan Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 29.
Not only did the Golden Stags get over the hump of a five-game losing slump, they also halted the Knights’ red-hot five-game win streak.
“Sigh of relief kasi we proved na we can compete in the NCAA and I truly believe sa mga bata,” coach Rob Labagala said.
“Para sa’kin nagstruggle din talaga kami so this win, ang sarap sa pakiramdam.”
The coach, however, couldn't hide his frustrations and told reporters covering the league that they have yet to receive their allowances for the past four months.
Earlier this year, Starhorse Shipping entered the picture and vowed to support the Golden Stags this season. The same group also made headlines after it initially pursued to acquire the Terrafirma franchise in the PBA.
San Sebastian led by as much as 15 points but the Knights rallied in the fourth to set up a neck-and-neck finish.
In fact, Letran held a four-point lead halfway through the payoff period, 77-73, but the Golden Stags would unload seven unanswered points to take an 80-77 lead with 2:46 to go.
Deo Cuajao sank a three-ball to tie the game with 1:02 remaining before Kevin Santos split his trip to the charity stripe at the 10-second mark of the fourth to take an 81-80 lead but it all led to a big shot by Jhuniel Dela Rama.
Dela Rama sank the game-winner with three ticks remaining to finish with a near double-double of 20 points and seven rebounds. Oneil Castor led the Stags in scoring with 22 to his name to help Baste improve to 2-7 in Group A.
Jonathan Manalili had yet another double-double to the tune of 26 points and 10 rebounds but this time, it wasn’t enough to power Letran to the dub as they fell to a 5-4 card in Group B.