San Sebastian moves up the stepladder, sets date vs San Beda

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

San Sebastian went on a killer third quarter blaze and drubbed Jose Rizal University, 85-73, to continue moving forward in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament stepladder semifinals Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Engaged in a tight 43-41 affair with 7:16 remaining in the third quarter, the Golden Stags suddenly couldn’t miss from the field as they staged a decisive 28-4 run for a 71-45 lead at the end of the period to diffuse the Heavy Bombers.

“The energy and effort of the guys were really great today, and that was our gameplan because we know that we’re the smaller team. We used our agility, effort, and hustle and that’s what happened in the third quarter. It was all heart and hard work,” said coach Egay Macaraya.

RK Ilagan was on fire once again, going 5-of-7 from downtown to lead his side with 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Michael Calisaan poured nine of his 13 markers in that killer third frame, on top of his eight boards and two dimes.

Allyn Bulanadi also added 13 points and six rebounds, while Jason David had 10 markers, seven boards, and three assists in the win.

San Sebastian now proceeds to the last stage of the stepladder semis, where it takes on two-seed San Beda in a knockout affair on November 7 for the right to face unbeaten Lyceum in the best-of-three Finals.

Jed Mendoza fired 16 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter with the game already out of reach for JRU, as well as garnering five assists and three rebounds.

Tey Teodoro had 12 markers, five dimes, and two assists, while MJ dela Virgen and Ervin Grospe both got 11 in the losing effort.

The Scores:

SAN SEBASTIAN 85 – Ilagan 21, Calisaan 13, Bulanadi 13, David 10, Calma 9, Gayosa 7, Costelo 5, Navarro 3, Baetiong 2, Mercado 2, Capobres 0, Valdez 0.

JRU 73 – Mendoza 20, Teodoro 12, Dela Virgen 11, Grospe 11, Poutouochi 8, Abdul Razak 6, Sawat 3, Lasquety 2, Bordon 0.

Quarters: 12-15, 41-34, 71-45, 85-73.