Stags survive but Red Lions fall
MANILA, Philippines—Pacesetter San Sebastian survived by the skin of its teeth and kept its pristine record Wednesday. But defending champion San Beda was just not up to it.
The Stags escaped with a 77-76 victory over a stubborn Perpetual Help squad for their 14th straight win on a day when Jose Rizal U posted the biggest upset of the 87th NCAA Season at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Bombers shocked the Red Lions, 76-65, in the second game for only their fifth win in 14 games this season.
While the Stags stayed on top, the Lions, who are already assured of a playoff berth for a Final Four spot, slid to third after losing for only the second time in 12 games this season. Idle Letran (11-2) vaulted to second.
“It’s a scary win but we will take it,” said a relieved Stags coach Topex Robinson, after Altas guard Earl Thompson missed a potential game-winning floater at the buzzer.
Calvin Abueva poured 12 of his 22 points in the last period and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Stags survived the Altas, who briefly took the lead with 1:37 left on Thompson’s free throws.
Ronald Pascual fired 27 points, including 19 in the first half for the Stags, who couldn’t put away the Altas despite taking a 72-62 lead with five minutes left to play.
The Bombers built a 19-point buffer late in the second quarter, before holding off the Lions, thanks to some clutch shooting from Nate Matute and Alex Almario.
“It’s overwhelming,” said JRU coach Vergel Meneses after the Bombers won for the first time against the Lions since he took over last season. “Everything clicked for us for the first time this season.”
Matute hit three straight triples for a 63-53 cushion with 8:18 left, before Almario helped snuffed out the Lions’ comeback hopes with a 15-foot jumper, 71-59.
In juniors’ play, San Beda rolled to a 78-60 win over JRU for its 12th straight win, while San Sebastian crushed Perpetual Help, 89-57.
The Senior scores:
First Game
SSC 77—Pascual 27, Abueva 22, J. Dela Cruz 12, Sangalang 7, Del Rio 4, Miranda 3, Ferrer 2, Vitug 0, L. Dela Cruz 0, Balucanag 0, Antipuesto 0, Maiquez 0.
PERPETUAL HELP 76—Asuncion 13, Allen 12, Elopre 12, Thompson 11, Vidal 9, Tonggal 6, Sison 6, Jolangcob 3, Sumera 2, Alano 2, Paulino 0, Parico 0, Arboleda 0.
Quarters: 17-17, 34-33, 56-52, 77-76
Second Game
JRU 76—Lopez 17, Matute 15, Kabigting 13, Villarias 12, Apinan 8, Almario 7, Mendoza 2, Montemayor 2, Monserat 0.
SAN BEDA 65—Lanete 20, Dela Rosa 10, Caram 9, Marcelo 9, K. Pascual 8, Villahermosa 7, Amer 2, Semerad 0, Sorela 0.
Quarters: 23-16, 39-27, 60-51, 76-65
