With nothing at stake but pride, eliminated team San Sebastian College-Recoletos refused to give rival school San Beda College the top spot in the NCAA seniors basketball tournament with a 98-92 upset Tuesday at the San Juan Arena.

Pro-bound Bradwyn Guinto spearheaded the Stags’ charge, scoring 16 of his team-high 26 points in the first half and opening the third quarter with four inside points as San Sebastian led by as much as ten points in that stretch.

The Red Lions regained the lead as MVP candidate Arthur de la Cruz exploded for 15 points in the third quarter as San Beda upped its dribble drive offense to end up leading, 74-73, in the quarter.

With the game tied at 83 midway in the fourth quarter, the turning point came when San Beda’s Raj Tongco committed a clear path foul on Michael Calisaan, which resulted in an 8-0 run which was no longer answered by the Red Lions.

Aside from Guinto, four other Golden Stag players scored in double digits.

“We just played with more heart and we were more intense,” Guinto said.

The Red Lions were led by de la Cruz, who finished with a triple-double of 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists while Ola Adeogun with 17 points.

With the upset, the Stags lead the tailenders with a 5-10 record as a triple tie for first place takes place with San Beda, Letran, and Perpetual Help holding 11-4 cards.