San Sebastian forces three-way tie for last Final 4 berth

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

San Sebastian fought for its life and forced a three-way tie for fourth place with an 80-60 victory over Perpetual in the final elimination game of the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament Thursday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Golden Stags closed their schedule with back-to-back wins as they evened their standing at 9-9 to end their assignment on level with Letran and Arellano.

They will get a bye in the fourth place-playoff as they await the victor of the knockout game between the Knights and the Chiefs on Friday.

“I think this is the fruit of the boys’ labor. At least, we made it here,” quipped coach Egay Macaraya.

RK Ilagan went 5-of-9 from threes to lead San Sebastian with 23 points and five rebounds, while Michael Calisaan churned out a double-double with his 21 markers and 10 boards.

Allyn Bulanadi also fired nine points for the Golden Stags.

Macaraya expressed his optimism with San Sebastian’s chances in the stepladder semis.

“The pressure is there, but I guess it’s a good learning experience for the players. Hopefully, we can overcome all concerns and play well in the playoffs.”

The Golden Stags started hot off the gates as they established an early 22-18 first quarter advantage and kept Perpetual in check all game long, taking a lead as high as 25 points, 80-55, late in the game.

GJ Ylagan fired 16 points in his swansong for Perpetual, as it finished the season on an eight-game losing streak to fall to ninth at 4-14.

Prince Eze also had 12 markers and 10 rebounds, while graduating guard Flash Sadiwa had 11 in the defeat.

The Scores:

SAN SEBASTIAN 80 – Ilagan 23, Calisaan 21, Bulanadi 9, Calma 6, Costelo 6, Capobres 5, David 4, Navarro 2, Mercado 2, Gayosa 2, Baetiong 0, Valdez 0.

PERPETUAL 60 – Ylagan 16, Eze 12, Sadiwa 11, Coronel 10, Pido 8, Dagangon 3, Tamayo 0, Yuhico 0, Mangalino 0, Clemente 0, Casas 0.

Quarters: 22-14, 40-28, 58-42, 80-60.