Stags steer clear of scrappy Generals

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian College recovered in time to fend off Emilio Aguinaldo College, 77-70, and tie reigning champion San Beda for the lead again in the 87th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Stags nearly squandered a 21-point lead as the Generals moved within one point with over two minutes left in the contest. But Ronald Pascual hit a triple and scored on a drive and Calvin Abueva canned three charities at endgame to clinch the victory, their sixth straight.

Pascual made nine of his game-high 19 points in the fourth he spiked with a triple and a go-ahead slam down the stretch while Abueva barreled his way to 17 points, including eight in the last period that kept the Stags in step with the Red Lions.

Ian Sangalang, the other member of SSC’s prolific troika, took charge in the first half and went on to finish with 15 points and 10 rebounds plus two blocks.

“We struggled a bit because we haven’t really practiced for nine days because we can’t use our gym due to continuous rain. So we just contented ourselves with the shoot-a-round and tape viewing,” said SSC coach Topex Robinson.

The Stags led by as many as 21 points late in the first half but the Generals refused to give up and fought back in the fourth quarter.

Down 52-63 midway in the last period, EAC went to Joshua Torralba, Jan Jamon and Emilian Vergas, who combined for a 14-4 attack that brought the Taft-based cagers within, 66-67, with 2.19 minutes left in the contest.

But Pascual buried a triple and jammed in a basket in transition after a steal before Abueva scored three free throws to frustrate the Generals.

EAC captain Claude Cubo, Torralba and Jamon each had 16 points but failed to hit the shots that mattered in the end as the Generals fell to their fourth defeat against two wins

Carlo Lastimosa fired 12 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, including a drive in the last 5.2 seconds, as he lifted St. Benilde to a thrilling 78-77 victory over Jose Rizal U in the second game.

The Bombers, who led majority of the match, had one last chance to snatch the victory but Ronnel Carampil fumbled under the basket on the other end as time expired, triggering a frenzied St. Benilde celebration on the court.