Transferee Alex Desoyo unloaded seven of nine points in the extra time to lead the San Sebastian Staglets to an 88-81 triumph over the Arellano University Chiefs.
Desoyo unloaded one of three triples in the last 2:56, allowing the Chiefs to move out of reach and post their ninth victory in 16 games in the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.
He made up for his bad showing in the first half with all-out game in the overtime period.
“Wala akong naitulong sa team nung first half. Off na off ako. Wala sa kundisyon. Sinabi ako ni coach na bumawi ako sa second half,” said Desoyo, who moved in from Adamson University.
Rommel Calahat showed the way for the Staglets with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Ameer Aguilar, who was sick with fever, had 12, and Neil Villapando added 11.
The Staglets’ 9-7 win-loss slate put them within reach of the fourth placing Letran Knights (10-6).
To remain in contention, they have to make it past the University of Perpetual Junior Altas and the defending Malayan Red Robins in their last two games.
The game went into overtime when Braves cager Ira Bataller weaved his way past a fullcourt press and scored on a clutch basket as time expired in regulation, 75-all.
"Buti na lang, bumalik ang kumpiyansa niya (Desoyo) nung fourth quarter at overtime," said Staglets coach Melo Banua.
