Hot Stags stake perfect slate vs Bombers today

San Sebastian puts its perfect record on the line against resurgent Jose Rizal in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament today at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Coach Ato Agustin expects to see more of the Stags’ consistent plays when his defending champions gun for a share of the lead against the Bombers at 4 p.m.

“We just have to continue to play tough defense and play aggressive in our offense,” said Agustin of the Stags, who will try to join idle San Beda (5-0) on top.

Mapua, running fourth with a 2-2 record, shoots for a third victory against struggling Letran at 2 p.m.

The Bombers dropped their opening game to the Red Lions, then strung up four straight triumphs, the last against the St. Benilde Blazers, 74-65, last Friday.

But the victory over the Blazers disappointed coach Vergel Meneses as the Bombers nearly blew a 12-point advantage in the final quarter.

“We can’t play like that against San Sebastian,” said Meneses. “We played bad. We have to be consistent.”

“It’s always tough playing Jose Rizal,” noted Agustin, who will again lean on a solid cast led by Calvin Abueva, Pamboy Raymundo, Ian Sangalang, Ronald Pascual and Gilbert Bulawan.

Abueva will be coming off another impressive stint as the fiery forward collected 18 points, 12 rebounds, three steals and two assists in the Stags’ 68-49 rout of the Cardinals last week.

Reycon Kabigting paced the Bombers in their last outing with 14 points. He also drew support from JR Bulangis and Cameroonian Joe Etame.