MANILA – Rafael Are came up with another brilliant performance to carry San Sebastian College Recoletos to a 95-93 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 men's basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Arena on Wednesday.
Are scored 25 points, including four triples, dished out a career-high 13 assists and made two steals for the Stags, who held a 12-0 run in over a minute left in the game, to claim their second consecutive win and gain a share of the lead with College of St. Benilde.
He also sizzled with 30 points, six rebounds and six assists in San Sebastian's 91-84 come-from-behind victory over Letran last Sept. 8.
Raymart Escobido contributed 23 points, four assists and three rebounds, Tristan Felebrico added 14 points to go with 15 rebounds, while Leonard Velasco had 12 points and eight rebounds.
Lyceum, which absorbed its second straight loss, was paced by John Barba, who had 25 points, six rebounds and six assists.
John Bravo chipped in 13 points and six rebounds, Mclaude Guadana had 12 points and four assists, while Neil Moralejo scored 10 points.
Meanwhile, rookie Lawrence Mangubat produced five triples as Mapua University prevailed over Emilio Aguinaldo College, 69-66, in the other game.
John Recto added 12 points and three assists, Clint Escarmis had 10 points, six assists and three steals, while Chris Hubilla scored nine points on top of 10 rebounds as the Cardinals secured their first win in two outings.
Harvey Pagsanjan and King Gurtiza led the Generals with 14 points and 11 points, respectively. (PNA)