Stags target No. 2 seed versus Lions

A RAMPAGING San Beda squad shoots for a second-round sweep when it battles a San Sebastian side seeking the No. 2 Final Four seeding on the final elimination-round playdate of the 88th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Gametime is 6 p.m. with the Lions, already assured of the top semifinal berth, looking to avenge their first-round defeat to the Stags, who have been far from their best in recent games.

The game means more to the Stags, who at 12-5 are looking to avoid a playoff for the No. 2 berth against Letran. The Knights finished the elimination round with a 12-6 card Saturday and a loss by the Stags will drop them into a tie with the Knights that will be decided by a playoff Thursday.

San Beda has had its way against San Sebastian in the last two seasons, particularly in the finals, but the Stags appear to be flipping the script with a 80-71 victory in the first round.

The Stags turned to MVP frontrunner Ian Sangalang, Calvin Abueva and Ronald Pascual for firepower and composure down the stretch in the first-round meeting. The trio combined for 58 points with Pascual firing a game-high 28 points.

But the Stags have struggled to navigate past opponents in the second round, losing three games.

The Stags are coming off an 80-62 whipping of Perpetual Help Altas last Monday in a game where Pascual broke out of his shooting slump.

The Pampanga-born forward came into the game averaging just six points in his last three outings before exploding for 18, including four triples.

While the Stags have been reliant on three players, San Beda has flaunted plenty of weapons this season.

Ronnie Magsanoc feels that getting another stern test against the Stags will prepare his squad for bigger challenges ahead, particularly in the Final Four.

“With every game comes the opportunity to improve,” said the rookie coach, who is counting on playmaker Baser Amer and veterans Jake Pascual and Rome dela Rosa to lead San Beda.

Meanwhile, San Beda and San Sebastian will dispute the top seed in the Final Four in juniors play at 4 p.m.

The Red Cubs, who hold a 16-1 record just like the Staglets, are hoping to repeat their 77-68 conquest of San Sebastian in the first round.