INQUIRER file photo
MANILA, Philippines – San Sebastian nailed its maiden victory at the expense of Adamson, 78-68, in the Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Cup Friday at the Arena in San Juan.
The Stags, whose selected members are fresh from training in the United States, snapped a two-game losing skid behind efforts of workhorse forward Calvin Abueva.
Notching a monster stat line of 29 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists and three blocks, Abueva also uncorked a dagger triple from top of the key which gave the Stags a cozy lead with two minutes left.
“It was a good opportunity to bounce back,” said head coach Topex Robinson. “We wanted to focus on the stops. It was really the key at the end of the game.”
Sangalang added 16 points and 14 rebounds for San Sebastian, which is still missing the presence of Ronald Pascual.
The 10 point advantage towards the end was the biggest lead for San Sebastian, which boasts of an entirely new line up.
Adamson, who is also still adjusting to the new additions to its personnel, absorbed its second loss for a 2-2 record following a sorry meltdown in the payoff period.
The Falcons established an early lead in the second half, but failed to sustain it until the end despite the explosion from marksman Roider Cabrera.
Eight unanswered points from Cabrera, who finished with 19 points on 4-of-9 three point shooting, swung the lead back to Adamson midway the fourth quarter.
The Falcons continued to get sorely outrebounded in the competition with 36-49 difference in this game.