Stags stun Lancers in Big 8 duel

San Sebastian College leaned on the heroics of veterans Chris Baluyot to turn back University of Visayas, 87-80, yesterday at the start of Big Eight action in the Champions’ League at the FEU gym.

Baluyot drilled in the go ahead three-pointer and added a jumper entering the last two minutes while Uy sank two free throws and completed a breakaway lay-up to seal the final tally and complete the Stags mighty second half comeback.

"Malaki ang tiwala ko kay (Nicole) Uy. Mararamdaman mo na talagang gustong manalo nung bata," said San Sebastian coach Turo Valenzona.

After a cold first half, Uy anchored the Stags’ torrid third quarter assault with three triples, the last giving them their first taste of the lead at 46-44.

An ugly incident transpired midway in the third involving San Sebastian’s mercurial slotman Pep Moore.

The 6-7 Fil-Am deliberately pushed UV guard Mark Ababon and engaged Uy in a verbal tussle.

But besides Moore’s tantrums, the quarter clearly belonged to the Stags, who more than doubled their 31-point first half production after the third.

The Lancers, playing their second game in as many days, appeared in control in the first 20 minutes behind the solid performances of Jayford Rodriguez, Ababon and Neil Rañeses.

Uy paced the Stags with 21 points while Baluyot chipped in 18 despite playing the dying minutes with a cramped leg.

With the win, the Stags now wait the winner between Ateneo and Holy Cross of Davao on Dec. 1 at the Adamson gym.

The day’s other game pitting St. Francis of Assisi and University of Assumption-Pampanga is on going as of press time. The winner goes up against the victor between Far Eastern U and Letran also on Dec. 1.