Stags, Knights forge PCCL knockout duel

MANILA, Philippines—San Sebastian’s star trio got the job done as the Stags nipped Adamson in overtime, 85-83, yesterday to move within a win of a Final Four berth in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League.

Ronald Pascual, Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang combined for 71 points, including all of the Stags’ 11 points in the extra period. All delivered double-double performances with Pascual leading the way with 29 points, 16 rebounds and three assists.

Letran also inched closer to the semifinals after the undermanned Knights stunned UAAP runner-up Far Eastern University, 73-64, in the second match of the knockout doubleheader at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Mark Cruz and Raymond Almazan took charge in the final stretch as the Knights—who bucked the absence of top gunner Kevin Alas and his father-head coach Louie—held the Tamaraws scoreless in the last six minutes.

Abueva, the reigning NCAA MVP, had a remarkable 24 points, 22 rebounds and four blocks, while Sangalang collected 18 points, 13 boards and three blocks for the Stags.

“We were sluggish at the start but I told them in the second half that we had to defend well,” said coach Topex Robinson after the Stags rallied from 15 points down, 11-26, in the first half.

He said Pascual was a bit winded in the first half due to a recent bout with intestinal flu.

“But again, when it’s money time I can depend on him,” Robinson added.

Cruz, who teamed up with Almazan in scoring the Knights’ last 10 points, fired 25 markers and dished out four assists. The lanky Almazan again had his way underneath, scoring 14 points, on top of 16 rebounds and six blocks.

FEU played minus head coach Bert Flores, who is in the United States.

Alas left for the US with his father to train with the Los Angeles Slam for one month.

Defending champion Ateneo, the only UAAP team left, and NCAA titlist San Beda already earned outright Final Four berths.

The scores:
First Game
SAN SEBASTIAN 85—Pascual 29, Abueva 24, Sangalang 18, Dela Cruz 8, Antipuesto 2, Maiquez 2, Vitug 2, Del Rio 0, Miranda 0, Balacunag 0.
ADAMSON 83—Cañada 21, Colina 14, Cabrera 11, Camson 8, Petilos 8, Lozada 6, Rios 6, Manyara 3, Brondial 2, Monteclaro 2, Agustin 2, Etrone 0, Manuel 0.
Quarters: 11-16, 29-38, 56-55, 74-74 (reg), 85-83 (OT)
Second Game
LETRAN 73—Cruz 25, Almazan 14, Belorio 8, Espiritu 8, Racal 5, Lituania 5, Pantin 4, Cortes 4, Gabawan 0.
FEU 64—Romeo 17, Tolomia 11, Cruz 9, Escoto 8, Garcia 8, Exciminiano 5, Knuttel 2, Foronda 2, Bringas 2, Sentcheu 0, Pogoy 0, Mendoza 0.
Quarters: 14-20, 35-40, 48-57, 73-64