MANILA, Philippines — San Sebastian made the most of what’s left in its lineup to post an 84-73 win over Southwestern University Monday in the 2013 FilOil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the Arena in San Juan.
The Stags, an entirely different team from last year’s NCAA Season 88 with the departure of their “Big Three” Calvin Abueva, Ian Sangalang and Ronald Pascual, banked on new faces and old names with different roles to notch their first win of the tournament in two games.
“We’re just trying our combinations. We all know this is what’s left of our team from last year which is a good thing for us because these are a bunch of no-namers something that we have to take pride on,” said returning SSC head coach Topex Robinson.
Aside from their trio, guys like Michael Juico, Michael Miranda, Dexter Maiquez — role players who make significant impact — also won’t be back with the Stags.
Jon Rebollos, who is in his last year, took the lead role for San Sebastian with 20 points on five-of-eight shooting from long range to go along with three rebounds and three assists.
Leo de Vera and Jovit dela Cruz added 18 and 13 points, respectively. Dela Cruz also grabbed four rebounds and dished out six assists.
The Cobras, who suffered their fourth straight setback in as many games, were paced by Landry Sanjo’s 16 points.