NCAA: Stags stun Altas, snap nine-game skid

San Sebastian head coach Egay Macaraya. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

San Sebastian snapped its nine-game losing streak with a 71-55 upset of Perpetual Friday in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Birthday boy Alvin Capobres led the all-out attack for the Golden Stags with 13 points and five rebounds, while Allyn Bulanadi got 11 markers, three boards, and three assists.

RK Ilagan also went 3-of-6 from three to finish with 11 points, while Jerick Fabian missed out on a double-double with 10 markers, nine rebounds, and four assists.

“The boys played well and they played good defense. It’s all about the defense and the rebounds kaya nanalo kami,” said coach Egay Macaraya, as San Sebastian outrebounded Perpetual, 51-41.

The Golden Stags improved to a 2-9 record and stayed alive in the Final Four race while ending the Altas’ six-game winning run as they fell to an 8-3 slate.

San Sebastian was on-point from the get-go, clamping down on Perpetual to hold a 41-28 halftime lead that extended to as high as 20 numerous times in the payoff period.

“Every game is a learning experience sa team kasi bago ito. All I want is maka-focus kami in all of the games because we need to know how to win dahil natatalo kami lagi sa fourth quarter,” said Macaraya.

Bright Akhuetie topped Perpetual with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Jack Hao had nine markers and three boards in the win.

The Scores:

SAN SEBASTIAN 71 – Capobres 13, Bulanadi 11, Ilagan 11, Fabian 10, Calisaan 9, Valdez 6, Baetiong 5, Sera Josef 4, David 2, Mercado 0, Calma 0, Johnson 0.
PERPETUAL 55 – Akhuetie 21, Hao 9, Pido 6, Coronel 6, Dagangon 4, Ylagan 4, Eze 4, Sadiwa 1, Dizon 0, Singontiko 0.

Quarters: 26-20, 41-28, 51-37, 71-55.