From that point on, everything went on smoothly for the San Sebastian Stags in a runaway, 82-51, victory over the Jose Rizal U Heavy Bombers on Tuesday in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament.
“I always give my 100 percent whenever I play. Luckily for me today, my shots went in,” said Ilagan in Filipino after tallying 25 points built around five three-pointers and several incursions in the lane.
Ilagan is raring to bounce back from a sorry stint last season when the Stags forfeited their first two victories after the explosive 5-foot-11 shooting guard played in a tournament outside of the NCAA.
College of St. Benilde and University of Perpetual Help also joined SSC, defending champion San Beda and Lyceum for the early lead.
Jimboy Pasturan came through with 19 points while Justin Gutang had 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Blazers, who prevailed, 69-66, after surviving a gutsy stand from the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals.
The Altas leaned on Edgar Charcos in an 80-78 squeaker over the Mapua Cardinals in the other game.
“Lessons were learned from that experience. Our goal this season is to stay healthy for a chance to be in the Final Four,” said San Sebastian coach Egay Macaraya.
Macaraya’s “staying healthy” goal suffered a hit already after forward Allyn Bulunadi, the other half of San Sebastian’s fearsome scoring duo, played limited minutes following a dislocated shoulder he sustained prior to the season.
Ilagan’s long three from half court gave the Stags a 35-22 advantage, setting the tone for a carnage that upset the Bombers and their debuting coach, Louie Gonzales.
St. Benilde coach TY Tang, meanwhile, wasn’t too happy with his team’s victory.
“We barely survived. They held us down with their zone defense. We just couldn’t execute and get a basket,” said Tang, whose Blazers squandered a 17-point lead before holding on in the end.
Injuries also hobbled the Blazers at the start of the season with Clement Leutcheu and Yankie Haruna watching at the sidelines.
The cat-quick Charcos scored 11 points in the final six minutes, lifting the Altas, who lost Season 94 league MVP Prince Eze to graduation.