Ian Sangalang asserted his might inside the paint, while Ronald Pascual broke out of his slump as San Sebastian dumped Arellano, 79-71, last night to vault into solo second in the 88th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The 6-foot-6 Sangalang played the entire game and finished with 22 points and 14 boards to help the Stags survive the absence of the suspended Calvin Abueva.
Pascual, who just recovered from flu, shot 18 points that went with nine rebounds.
The Stags looked in control until early in the final period when the Chiefs went on a 10-0 blast to tie the game at 63.
But the Stags figured out a way to solve the Chiefs’ fullcourt press and Pascual fired two triples sandwiched by short jumpers from Sangalang as the Stags, pulled away at 73-63.
In the second game, St. Benilde arrested a four-game slide with an 87-73 trouncing of Lyceum.
The scores:
SAN SEBASTIAN 79—Sangalang 22, Pascual 18, Juico 9, Miranda 9, Maiquez 8, Dela Cruz 7, Gusi 6, Binuya 0, Balucanag 0, Antipuesto 0.
ARELLANO 71—Hernandez 21, Forrester 13, Pinto 10, Zulueta 8, Caperal 8, Cadavis 4, Acidre 4, Salcedo 2, Bangga 1.
Quarters: 24-25, 41-35, 63-57, 79-71