Stags deal Altas its first loss in three games

Calvin Abueva FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–San Sebastian turned things around in the third quarter en route to a 80-65 win over Perpetual Help Monday in the NCAA Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Calvin Abueva tallied a triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists for the Stags, who outscored the Altas 23-8 in the pivotal third period.

“We just focused on making stops. We were just smarter on taking care of the basketball and with the shots that we took and that limited their fastbreak,” said SSC head coach Topex Robinson.

San Sebastian trailed 35-36 to open up the second half before going on a 17-1 blast to lead 52-37 on two free throws by Ian Sangalang.

Sangalang finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds.

The Altas, who absorbed their first loss in three games, went toe-to-toe with the Stags in the first half but failed to sustain their impressive play when the going got tough.

Ronald Pascual, still struggling to return to his top form, went scoreless anew in limited minutes.

Stags though were able to draw strong plays from role players Jovit dela Cruz and Michael Juico.

Dela Cruz had 16 points while Juico added 15 points before suffering from cramps.

Nosa Omorgbe led Perpetual Help with 18 points in 18 minutes.