Ray Relojo Steps Up as Mapua Survives San Sebastian Comeback

When a team is coming off a series of tough losses, the pressure to break the cycle can either shatter their resolve or forge an unshakeable edge.

For Ray Relojo and the Mapua Red Robins, desperation was transformed into pure, calculated intent.

Facing a relentless second-half charge from the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Staglets, Mapua relied on Relojo’s steadying presence down the stretch to secure a hard-fought 72-69 victory at the Playtime Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Throughout the contest, Relojo moved with hitting tough shots head-on while anchoring Mapua's offense with 13 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. But more than his line on the stat sheet, it was his refusal to let past missteps dictate their current battle that set the tone.

"Nagsilbing aral sa amin 'yung mga pagkatalo na 'yun kaya gigil kami ngayon manalo," Relojo shared during his Player of the Game interview.

Though the Red Robins dictated the pace for most of the match, the Staglets mounted a furious comeback late in the fourth period, trimming Mapua's once-comfortable cushion down to a single possession.

As the pressure intensified and the momentum threatened to swing completely toward San Sebastian, Relojo and the Red Robins stuck to a simple, coach-instilled mantra lock down on defense.

"Sabi ng mga coaches, kung sumablay kami, diretso depensa na lang," Relojo added. "Kada possession, iniisip talaga namin kung paano kami makaka-stop."

That defensive composure proved to be the difference maker in the final seconds, halting San Sebastian's last-ditch effort and allowing Mapua to freeze the clock and walk away with the crucial victory.

For Relojo and the Red Robins, it wasn't just about escaping with a win, it was about proving that lessons learned in defeat can fuel the grit needed to finish the job.

The Scores:

Mapua 72 – Orbista 14, Parame 13, Relojo 13, Sy 13, Catalan 6, Panganiban 5, Docto III 4, Pena 2, Alanza 2, Victolero 0, Vitug 0, Gimony 0, Luneta 0.

San Sebastian 69 – Tepan 13, Serrano 11, Castillo 10, Ramiso 8, Humady 7, Lazaro 5, Pineda 4, Flores 4, Pacheco 3, Gutierrez 2, Aninipot 2, Whittaker 0, Gaviola 0.

Quarterscores: 20-19, 45-39, 60-53, 72-69.