Stags whip Generals; Cards forfeit match

JOVIT dela Cruz of San Sebastian attacks the basket and draws a foul from Jozhua General of EAC in yesterday’s game at Filoil Flying V Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

San Sebastian pounced on a severely undermanned Emilio Aguinaldo College to hack out a runaway 107-73 victory Monday in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Facing an EAC team with only five eligible players, the Stags zoomed to an early double digit lead and never looked back to register their second straight win and improve to 5-11.

Jovit dela Cruz had 16 points while Ivan Camasura tallied 13 points and six assists for the Stags who notched the highest point total this season, surpassing St. Benilde’s output in its win over Arellano by a point.

The Generals were left shorthanded after the league suspended nine of their players for their roles in the brawl that erupted late in the game against Mapua last Monday. EAC, in fact, had already forfeited its game to Perpetual Help last Friday as it only had four players available then.

With Faustine Pascual returning from suspension, the Generals were allowed to play with five players in the squad. But they proved no match to the Stags  determined to finish their season with a flourish.

In one of the most bizarre games ever played in the country’s oldest collegiate league, the Stags encountered little resistance after taking a 35-18 lead in the first period.

Earlier, Mapua was forced to forfeit its game against Letran after failing to come up with the required five players.

Only CJ Isit, Joseph Eriobu, Jeson Cantos and Jessie Saitanan were eligible yesterday, prompting the league to award the win to the Knights who improved to 7-9. Letran however is already out of Final Four contention. Mapua slid to 4-12.

Mapua Managament Committee representative Melchor Divina said the Cardinals will be back to play their last two games against the Jose Rizal Bombers on Friday and the St. Benilde Blazers next week.

The scores

SAN SEBASTIAN 107—Dela Cruz 16, Camasura 13, Perez 11, Pretta 11, Costelo 8, Balucanag 8, Fabian 7, Santos 6, Mercado 6, Guinto 5, Yong 4, Ortuoste 3, Alvarez 0

EAC 73—Serrano 20, Indin 17, Mejos 14, General, Pascual 11

Quarters: 35-18, 69-39, 92-48, 107-73