Stags frustrate Generals for 2nd straight win

Photos by: Kittine Mayo

Using a stifling defense, San Sebastian smothered Emilio Aguinaldo College, 79-54, for its second straight win in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Stags are now at 2-1 to gain the third spot in Group B while the Generals are yet to get into the win column with a 0-2 card.

San Sebastian had a decent 42 percent from the field, but it was the Stags’ stingy defense and hustle that proved the difference.

EAC attempted just 45 shots and made just 13 of those for a 29 percent conversion rate.

The Stags immediately made their presence felt in the first quarter where they led, 24-6.

San Sebastian head coach Egay Macaraya said part of his game plan is to hound the ball handlers and prevent EAC’s lanky center Hamadou Laminou from getting the ball in the paint.

“We all know that our only advantage was we prevented Laminou from getting the ball and if we’re going to do that we have to pressure the point guard so EAC’s offense would be delayed,” said Macaraya.

The Stags’ strategy worked as Lamidou attempted just two shots and converting only one.

Lorenzo Navarro led the Stags with 11 points and five assists while Mark Sangalang had 10 points and nine boards.

Jerome Garcia had 14 points while Laminou managed to put up 10 points, eight of which came from the free throw line.