Stags post longest streak

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian primed itself up for three crucial matches leading to a historic sweep with a 100-66 romp over Arellano University in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan yesterday, setting the longest streak in the league with 15 victories.

Rookie Ian Sangalang exploded with his league-best 28 points while veteran Jimbo Aquino backed him up with 21 points and 15 rebounds as the Stags rolled to their 15th straight victory.

It was the longest in league history since reigning three-peat titlist San Beda went on a 14-game spree on its way to the championship three seasons ago.

The win also moved San Sebastian a win closer to gaining the twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four and three for a record sweep of 18 games.

But the Stags will have to do it against the three other Final Four teams, including the Letran Knights whom they meet on Friday.

They take on the Jose Rizal Bombers on Sept. 30 before squaring off with the Lions on Oct. 7.

A sweep will give SSC an automatic berth in the best-of-three finals.

“We’re not counting but we’re happy to win our 15th straight game, which I think is a record,” said SSC coach Ato Agustin. “We’ll see if we’ll have a chance for a sweep when we play Letran on Friday.”

The Chiefs, who also lost to the Stags, 49-80, in the first round last July 20, fell to 7-9 but still remained in fifth.

Earlier, Mapua routed Emilio Aguinaldo, 87-69, to improve to 4-12.

The Generals took their 11th loss against five wins.

In juniors’ action, four-peat champion San Sebastian walloped Arellano U, 91-34, to barge into the Final Four along with Letran and San Beda.