Stags hang tough vs Blazers, 95-93, in NCAA

MANILA, Philippines – San Sebastian held on to beat a resilient St. Benilde, 95-93, Saturday in the NCAA Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Stags, who bounced back from their opening day defeat to the Letran Knights, 74-81, had trouble keeping the Blazers away but mustered enough strength for clutch defensive stops to come away with their first win.

Calvin Abueva notched another double-double. After a 17-point, 18-rebound performance in a losing cause, Abueva went for 23 points and 23 rebounds to go along with six assists.

Ronald Pascual, who didn’t score in his first game back after dealing with an ACL injury, came through this time with 20 points and six rebounds.

San Sebastian led 91-82 with three minutes left before CSB retaliated with nine unanswered.

Joel Tolentino had two triples in the telling run with his last three tying the game at 91.

Abueva though restored order with a basket on the other end near the final minute.

Tolentino finished with 20 points while Carlo Lastimosa chipped in with 19.