MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion San Sebastian banked on a fourth quarter surge to deal much-improved National University its first loss, 81-74, Wednesday in the 2011 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premiere Cup at the Arena in San Juan.
Workhorse Calvin Abueva went on a rampage to spark the Stags’ 20-0 blast that turned an eight-point third quarter deficit to a 75-63 advantage midway through the payback period.
“I just let him [Abueva] play his game,” said San Sebastian coach Turo Valenzona, who also commended his team’s defensive stance that allowed them to comeback.
Abueva finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds while lanky teammate Ian Sangalang also had a double-double of 20 points and 10 boards.
The Bulldogs set the tone and led majority of the game but just could not maintain their momentum to drop their first setback in five stints.
In the opening game of a three-game bill, three-time UAAP champion Ateneo upped its winning streak to four as it dumped listless Arellano, 70-53, behind a total team effort led by prized rookie Kiefer Ravena.
Ravena had 12 points and four dimes for the Blue Eagles, who also drew decent games from Nico Salva and Kirk Long.
Meanwhile, Adamson had four players in twin-digit scoring as it thrashed Letran, 75-50.
Swingman Alex Nuyles fired 13 points and hauled down 10 boards to help the Falcons record their third straight victory.
The Knights fell to 1-3.