SAN Sebastian stunned Letran with a late fourth-quarter surge, 91-84, to open its NCAA men’s basketball campaign on a high note at the Filoil EcoOil Centre yesterday.

The Knights led from the start of the fourth period, leading by as much as 14 points, until Rafael Are made a layup with less than three minutes to go, allowing the Stags to take the lead 82-81.

San Sebastian outscored Letran, 9-2, in the final 2:56 to complete the comeback.

Are had a career-high 30 points that went along with six rebounds and six assists to lead the Stags, now with Arvin Bonleon manning the sidelines.

“Sabi namin bubuntot lang kami talaga tapos ‘pag may chance na sumilat, sisilatin namin dahil wala kaming ibang objective kung hindi mapaganda lang ang jelling namin,” Bonleon said.

San Sebastian joined opening day winners San Beda and College of Saint Benilde for the early lead along with Emilio Aguinaldo College, which defeated Arellano University in overtime, 87-80.

Up next for the Stags are the back-to-back title-seeking Red Lions on Saturday at the San Juan arena.

King Gurtiza scored six of his 18 points in extra session, and had four rebounds and three assists for the Generals.

Harvey Pagsanjan added 13 points and nine boards while Nobie Lucero contributed 11 points for EAC.

The scores:

First Game

SSC-R (91) – Are 30, Ricio 14, Felebrico 14, Escobido 13, Gabat R. 8, Celasco 4, Gabat L. 4, Aguila 2, Barroga 2, Maliwat 0, Suico 0, Lintol 0, Pascual 0.
Letran (84) – Monje 16, Jumao-as 16, Estrada 14, Montecillo 9, Santos 7, Go 7, Dimaano 6, Cuajao 5, Galoy 4, Delfino 0, Nunag 0, Pradella 0, Baliling 0.
Quarterscores: 24-30, 48-52, 63-75, 91-84

Second Game

EAC (87) – Gurtiza 18, Pagsanjan 13, Lucero 11, Quinal 9, Oftana 9, Doromal 8, Ochavo 7, Loristo 4, Manacho 4, Angeles 2, Bagay 2, Luciano 0, Umpad 0, Bagay 0.
Arellano (80) – Capulong 18, Valencia 16, Vinoya 13, Ongotan 10, Hernal 5, Acop 5, Camay 5, De Leon 4, Estacio 2, Miller 2, Borromeo 0, Dela Cruz 0, Espiritu 0, Libang 0, Geronimo 0.
Quarterscores: 24-17, 46-38, 60-59, 77-77, 87-80.