San Sebastian College-Recoletos moved on from the exit of its former standout as it escaped Arellano University, 60-51, to open their NCAA Season 98 campaign on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The two teams figured in a tight affair in the first half, which ended with the game all tied up at 27 apiece with Kenneth Villapando leading the Stags in in their first NCAA game since Calma graduated.
The 6-foot-2 bruiser drilled nine early points while the Chiefs banked on guard Axel Doromal who scattered 10 markers in the first two quarters.
San Sebastian also held Shane Menina scoreless in the first half following a stellar outing last Saturday.
But the Stags changed the tempo come third. A 7-0 run to close out the penultimate frame saw their lead ballooned to 12, 50-38, after a Rhinwill Yambing bucket.
The Chiefs, though, trimmed their deficit to just six, 57-51, following a Joshua Abastillas putback with bately two minutes left.
Tristan Felebrico then completed a three-point play to se the win.
Both teams return to action on Friday with San Sebastian taking on College of Saint Benilde and Arellano facing University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.
