Stags exit on a high note, rout Bombers

Games Friday

(The Arena, San Juan City)

12 p.m. – CSB vs Lyceum (Srs)

2 p.m. – Mapua vs Perpetual (Srs)

4 p.m. – San Beda vs Arellano (Srs)

MANILA, Philippines – San Sebastian overpowered Jose Rizal, 85-58, on Friday to close out its failed campaign on an impressive note in the 92nd NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Allyn Bulanadi fired 14 points while Ryan Costelo and Michael Calisaan added 13 points apiece as the Stags finished the season winning seven of their last eight outings for an 8-10 (win-loss) record.

Interestingly, San Sebastian's 7-2 record in the second round is better than three of the four Final Four teams – San Beda, Mapua and Perpetual Help.

Only Arellano U, the league leader with a 14-3 mark, has a better second round slate of 7-1.

"We had a bad start but we recovered and the players got tired of losing," said San Sebastian coach Egay Macaraya.

Macaraya sees a bright future for his young wards.

"I hope we can stay healthy as we try to get inspiration from our performance this season," he said.

The Bombers fell to 9-9.

Meanwhile, Arellano U (14-3) and San Beda (13-4) contest the top spot while Mapua (11-6) and Perpetual Help (11-6) battle it out for the third seeding.

A win by the Chiefs in their 4 p.m. duel will formally clinch it the top seeding while a triumph by the Lions will arrange a playoff for the top seeding on Tuesday.

The top seed faces the loser of the 2 p.m.  Perpetual-Mapua duel while the No. 2 seed tackles No. 3 needing just a win to advance because of the twice-to-beat incentive.

The Scores:

SAN SEBASTIAN 85– Bulanadi 14, Calisaan 13, Costelo 13, Capobres 12, Fabian 7, Mercado 6, Gayosa 5, David 4, Serajosef 4, Ilagan 3, Baetiong 2, Valdez 1, Calma 1, Quipse 0.

JRU 58 – Pontejos 14, Poutouochi 10, Cruz 9, Teodoro 8, Lasquety 6, Dela Paz 5, Grospe 4, Caballero 1, Dela Virgen 1, Astilla 0, Dada 0, Mendoza 0, Salaveria 0.

Quarters: 21-17; 42-29; 63-45; 85-58.