11 September 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
Manila, Philippines – San Sebastian College-Recoletos almost lost to College of St. Benilde if not for the buzzer, 66-65, Tuesday in the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
Blazing Justin Gutang sank a layup with only 5.6 seconds left on the clock – their supposed to be winning moment.
However, the referees turned down the shot, saying the ball did not leave his hand on the buzzer, therefore giving the win to San Sebastian.
The Stags now have a 3-9 win-loss record in the tournament, while St. Benilde dropped to a 7-4 record and tied with Letran at third place.
The Blazers were hot on the Stags’ trail as Gutang shot a triple that cut San Sebastian’s five-point lead to two, 63-65. He followed it with a couple of freebies that tied the game at 65-all.
Michael Calisaan was not just about to put down the fight in the last seconds of the game and split his freebies to give them a breather, 66-65.
Gutang’s supposed to be winning shot was turned down by the referees and St. Benilde team captain Yankie Haruna have signed a petition for the game to be reviewed again.
Calisaan led the Golden Stags with 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
On the other hand, Gutang had a game-high 25 markers, eight boards and five assists.
The Scores:
SAN SEBASTIAN 66 – Calisaan 18, Ilagan 11, Bulanadi 10, Capobres 10, Calma 6, Dela Cruz 5, Are 2, Valdez 2, Villapando 2, Desoyo 0, Isidro 0, Sumoda 0.
CSB 65 – Gutang 25, Leutcheu 9, Dixon 8, Carlos 7, Haruna 7, Young 5, Belgica 3, Nayve 1, Naboa 0, Pasturan 0.
QUARTER SCORES: 17-12, 36-34, 53-42, 66-65.
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