San Sebastian’s Michael Calisaan.
Fighting for pride, San Sebastian coasted to an 87-71 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College Thursday in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Michael Calisaan topped the Golden Stags with 22 points and 14 rebounds to improve their standing at 7-10.
“Wala namang no bearing game sa amin. Yung mga bata, gustong matuto at gusto nilang maging ready sa kung ano mang darating,” said coach Egay Macaraya.
Allyn Bulanadi added 14 markers, while RK Ilagan got 13 points, four boards, and three assists.
Jerick Fabian also nabbed a double-double with 12 markers and 10 rebounds, while Ryan Costelo had 10.
Dominant from the get-go, San Sebastian erected an early 29-16 lead at the end of the first and even held a 20-point advantage, 72-52, early in the fourth.
“Yung motivation namin kahit sa practice, pukpukan kasi everybody wants to improve at gusto nilang matuto magsama-sama. Kita na yung samahan ng mga bata,” said Macaraya.
It was a disappointing windup for the Golden Stags, whose dismal 1-8 record in the first round hounded their 6-2 showing in the second round.
“I blame myself for the short preparation. Kulang kami sa preparation, besides maraming distraction sa amin kasi transition period,” said Macaraya. “But the good thing is nag-umpisa na ang mga tamang ginagawa namin papunta sa goal.”
Sidney Onwubere topped EAC (5-11) with 19 points and seven rebounds before being ejected at the 7:21 mark of the payoff period after incurring two technical fouls for the game.
Hamadou Laminou registered a double-double in the loss with 18 markers and 15 boards, while Jorem Morada got 14 points for the Generals.
The Scores:
SAN SEBASTIAN 87 – Calisaan 22, Bulanadi 14, Ilagan 13, Fabian 12, Costelo 10, Valdez 5, Gayosa 3, Baetiong 2, Capobres 2, Sera Josef 2, Mercado 1, Calma 1, David 0.
EAC 71 – Onwubere 19, Laminou 18, Morada 14, Munsayac 11, Mendoza 4, Corilla 2, Diego 2, Pascua 1, Aguas 0, Guzman 0, King 0, Neri 0, Serrano 0.
Quarters: 29-16, 39-31, 67-52, 87-71.