It was a dull performance for San Sebastian as the team never got the chance to take control of the game until the third frame, but it seemed that the Stags just gave false hopes to Perpetual as the former charged offense in the fourth quarter.

in the final five minutes of the match, the Stags shook off the Altas’ full-court press that hounded them all day to improve to 1-1 in a tie with their victims.

With the remaining five minutes of the last quarter, Rommel Calahat and Itchy Altamirano scored a series of baskets, followed by a go-ahead three from JM Calma giving the 57-55 lead to the Stags with 2:34 ticks left.

The crucial turnover made the Atlas lose their momentum and failed to keep their defense against Calahat, Calma, and Ken Villapando who all went for a combined six straight points, 63-55. 

John Abis tried to regain control for Perpetual after shooting a three from the distance, 63-58, but time outlasted them, giving the first victory for San Sebastian.

Coach Egay Macaraya claimed that it was a good thing that the Stags had a great defense with Calahat’s 17 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, Calma’s 14 points, nine boards, and two blocks, Ichie Altamirano’s 12 points, and three boards.

Meanwhile, the Atlas who are now on the second loss was led by Jielo Razon’s 22 points built on his 6-of-12 shooting from distance, six rebounds, and two assists.

San Sebastian will face Mapua on Tuesday and Perpetual will immediately return on Sunday at 12 pm as they compete against the defending champions Letran.

The Scores:

SAN SEBASTIAN 63 – Calahat 17, Calma 14, Altamirano 12, Villapando 6, Sumoda 5, Una 4, Desoyo 2, Abarquez 2, Are 1, Loristo 0, Re. Gabat 0, Felebrico 0, Cosari 0.

PERPETUAL 58 – Razon 22, Aurin 7, Abis 7, Barcuma 6, Egan 4, Omega 4, Ferreras 4, Martel 2, Sevilla 2, Nunez 0, Cuevas 0, Pagaran 0.

Quarters: 6-8, 23-28, 44-47, 63-58.