MANILA, Philippines—Even minus one of its star trio, San Sebastian found a way to topple varsity heavyweight Ateneo and claim the first title berth in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League.
Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang more than made up for the absence of injured shooter Ronald Pascual as the Stags rallied from 12-points down in the last six minutes to stun the Blue Eagles, 70-69, in the round-robin semifinals Tuesday at the FilOil-Flying V Arena.
“I was trying to tell them even if we play 100 percent, it’s not a guarantee we’re going to win against Ateneo, so we have to value every possession,” said coach Topex Robinson after his Stags also clinched the No. 1 spot and the twice-to-beat advantage in the Finals with a 2-0 record.
In the second game, Rome dela Rosa fueled a late run for a game-high 25 points as San Beda nipped the pesky University of Cebu, 83-77.
Ateneo and San Beda, tied at 1-1, will dispute the last Finals berth in a knockout match on Friday, while the Cebu champion Webmasters bowed out of contention with a 0-2 card.
The scores:
First Game
SAN SEBASTIAN 70—Abueva 20, Sangalang 18, Dela Cruz 11, Balacunag 8, Del Rio 5, Miranda 4, Maiquez 2, Vitug 2, Ferrer 0.
ATENEO 69—Slaughter 16, Salva 13, Ravena 12, Long 9, Erram 8, Austria 6, Monfort 3, Chua 2, Golla 0, Sumalinog 0, Gonzaga 0, Tiongson 0.
Quarters: 17-17, 32-32, 53-58, 70-69.
Second Game
SAN BEDA 83—Dela Rosa 25, Villahermosa 15, Amer 14,
Solera 7, Caram 7, Lim 6, Pascual 4, Marcelo 2, Pontejos 2, Koga 1.
UNIV. OF CEBU 77—Fajardo 24, Pao 17, Heruela 14, Ampoon 10, Bercede 7, Mohammad 5, Batino 0, Auditor 0, Aranas 0.
Quarters: 20-22, 36-35, 57-56, 83-77.