Finally, San Sebastian College found its spark — and it came from the calm, yet cold-blooded, hands of a rookie in Jhuniel dela Rama.
Dela Rama has been lighting up the Golden Stags as he led them to hard-earned victories over heavy contenders Letran College and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta to earn the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 101 Collegiate Player of the Week.
The hot-shooting newcomer first lifted the Stags to a dramatic 82-81 win over the streaking Knights — his former team — on 29 October, where he finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
After a short break, the 6-foot-2 Dela Rama sustained his momentum, steering the Stags past Group A leader Altas, 62–61, where he tallied a double-double performance of 15 points and 10 rebounds with two assists.
Much like he did against Letran, Dela Rama provided the crucial insurance basket to put San Sebastian in the driver’s seat, 62–58, with 48.1 seconds left to seal the shocking victory.
“I’m just giving back the trust given to me. I’m just doing my role,” the young bruiser said.
“I know that my teammates are not selfish. They are sharing me the ball whenever we need to.”
The back-to-back wins improved the hungry San Sebastian squad to a 3-7 record, keeping their hopes alive for a twice-to-beat incentive in the latter stretch of the elimination round.