Stags sizzle
Francis Munsayac of EAC eludes the defense of Zach Nicholls of Arellano and soars for a goal. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Big man Michael Calisaan fired 22 points as San Sebastian stunned National University, 86-82, Monday for its fourth straight victory even as Arellano finally barged into the win column in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup.
The 6-foot-4 Calisaan joined forces with diminutive guard Ryan Costelo down the stretch as the Stags sent the Bulldogs crashing to their third straight defeat in the preseason tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Bulldogs looked headed to end their slide when they took a 10-point edge in the third quarter, before TK Ilagan and Costelo combined for three triples that sparked the Stags’ comeback.
Costelo nailed two consecutive triples that ignited a killer 13-1 run as the Stags seized control of the match, 79-68, with 4:22 left.
“It’s good preparation for the season now that we’re starting to win,” said Stags coach Egay Macaraya, whose squad moved up to fourth in Group B with a 4-1 slate. “It only means we’re improving, but we still have a long way to go if we want to contend in the NCAA.”
JJ Alejandro led NU with 20 points while Ghanaian center Issa Gaye had 14 and eight rebounds. The Bulldogs dropped to fifth spot in Group B.
The Chiefs leaned on Kent Michael Salado’s scoring as they turned back Emilio Aguinaldo College, 95-92.
The fleet-footed Salado finished with 30 points, including the marginal baskets, as Arellano finally posted its first win after four straight losses.
The Generals’ third defeat in five outings put to waste a stellar performance from Francis Munsayac who had 27 points.
Later, CJ Perez led a balanced offensive with 15 points as Lyceum rolled past Perpetual Help, 89-73, to climb to third in Group A with a 5-2 record.
SCORES
First Game
SSC-R 86—Calisaan 22, Costelo 16, David 14, Capobres 9, Calma 7, Valdez 6, Fabian 5, Ilagan 3, Bulanadi 2, Sangalang 2, Navarro 0, Gayosa 0, Baetiong 0, Meraco 0, Are 0.
NU 82—Alejandro 20, Gaye 14, Bartlett 12, Salem 8, Diputado 8, Yu 7, Morido 7, Tibayan 4, Lastimosa 2, Abatayo 0, Mosqueda 0, Aquino 0, Rangel 0, Go 0, Galvelo 0.
Quarters: 25-21, 39-36, 60-61, 86-82.
Second Game
ARELLANO 95—Salado 30, Flores 18, Nicholls 13, Canete 13, Villoria 10, Concepcion 5, Abanes 2, Enriquez 2, Taywan 2, Rivero 0, Mecca 0, Padilla 0.
EAC 92—Munsayac 27, Onwubere 25, Garcia 14, Bautista 9, Diego 9, I. Mendoza 3, Bugarin 3, Pascua 2, J. Mendoza 0, Neri 0, Tampoc 0, N. Mendoza 0, Guzman 0, Gonzales 0.
Quarters: 27-21, 46-47, 66-74, 95-92.
