Altas, Bombers dispute 4th slot

JUAN Salaveria (right) of JRU and Noube Happi of EAC go after the loose ball in yesterday’s game at Filoil Flying V Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Ronald Pascual broke out of his shooting slump to propel San Sebastian past Perpetual Help, 80-62, last night and keep the Stags on track in the race for the twice-to-beat incentive in the 88th NCAA basketball tournament.

Averaging just six points in the last three games, Pascual came alive, pumping in 18 points, including a triple with 2:26 left to help seal the win for the Stags, who can clinch the No. 2 seed with a win over San Beda on Monday.

The loss relegated Perpetual Help to a playoff for the last semifinal berth with Jose Rizal U, which lost to Emilio Aguinaldo College, 65-71, earlier.

Letran also claimed a semifinal berth after losses by the Altas and the Bombers. The Knights are also in contention for the twice-to-beat incentive if they beat Arellano on Saturday.

The Generals proved steadier down the stretch as they capped their season with a school record eighth win.

“I’m very proud of my team,” said EAC coach Gerry Esplana after the Generals registered their best season since joining the league in 2009.

Noube Happi, Jan Jamon, Jolas Paguia and Nikki Monteclaro finished in double figures as the Generals continued their stirring run late in the season by claiming the scalp of another contender.

EAC turned its performance up a notch in the second round, winning seven of its 10 games.

The scores:

First Game

EAC 71—Happi 14, Jamon 12, Paguia 12, Monteclaro 10, Morada 9, Tayongtong 8, Sanchez 4, Chiong 1, Munsayac 1.

JRU 65—Dela Paz 18, Lopez 11, Villarias 10, Salaveria 8, Carampil 6, Mabulac 4, Mendoza 2, Matute 2, Maconocido 2, Monserat 2, Porter 0, Camasura 0, Diapera 0.

Quarters: 21-23, 39-38, 54-52, 71-65

Second Game

SAN SEBASTIAN 80—Abueva 19, Pascual 18, Sangalang 16, Juico 13, Dela Cruz 6, Maiquez 3, Gusi 2, Vitug 2, Antipuesto 1.

PERPETUAL HELP 62—Paulino 13, Vidal 12, Thompson 12, Allen 8, Arboleda 7, Jolangcob 4, Babayemi 2, Elopre 2, Alano 2.

Quarters: 18-15, 46-31, 61-51, 80-62