MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion San Sebastian played streak busters anew as it dealt Ateneo its first setback, 73-72, in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Premiere Cup Wednesday at the Arena in San Juan.
Workhorse Calvin Abueva calmly sank two free-throws with only 9.8 ticks left to complete a stunning comeback by the Stags, who trailed 65-72, with just two minutes left.
“I told my players that we still have time to recover, we just have to defend well,” said SSC coach Turo Valenzona, whose squad beat erstwhile unbeaten National University the last time out.
Rookie sensation Kiefer Ravena had the chance to win the game for Ateneo but his step back jumper rimmed out.
Ravena paced the Blue Eagles, who absorbed their first defeat in six games, with 15 points on a below par 4-of-15 shooting.
In the second game, Alex Nuyles unleashed 15 of his 22 points in the pivotal third period to charge Adamson to its fifth straight win, 75-61, at the expense of listless College of St. Benilde.
It was a close 31-30 affair at the half in favor of Adamson, until Nuyles broke loose in the third–scoring the Falcons’ first 12 points that tore the game apart.
The Stags upped their mark to 3-1 while the Falcons climbed to 5-1.
The Blazers remained winless after four stints.