San Sebastian pummels Mapua, keeps semis bid alive

Games Tuesday  

(Filoil Arena, San Juan)

12 p.m. - EAC vs UPHSD

2 p.m.- MU vs AU

4 p.m. - CSJL vs CSB

MANILA, Philippines — San Sebastian threw its full might on doormat Mapua and hammered out a 97-70 victory Friday to pump some life to its flagging Final Four campaign in the 93rd NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Arena in San Juan City.

The troika of Jayson David, Alfren Gayosa and Alvin Capobres conspired in delivering the decisive blows that helped the Stags end a three-game losing slide while moving to a share of fifth spot with the Arellano U Chiefs on 8-9 (win-loss) records.

The Stags would have a chance to clinch at least a playoff for a Final Four spot if they could hurdle the already eliminated Perpetual Help Altas in the final playdate of the elimination round on Thursday.

“We just have to keep the faith,” said San Sebastian coach Egay Macaraya.

David exploded with 24 points while Gayosa and Capobres fired 18 and 17 points, respectively, in dealing the Cardinals their 14th defeat against three wins.

Although Macaraya pointed at team effort as the key to victory, he wasn’t shy showing his admiration to David.

“Seeing him play every day, I think he’s the most consistent of my players. Barring injuries, he has a strong chance of making it to the PBA,” said Macaraya of David.

Gayosa unloaded an 11-point barrage in the opening quarter when the Stags built a 31-20 lead.

After coming out of the break ahead by 12 points, 46-34, Gayosa, David and Capobres conspired again to push San Sebastian to a 69-52 advantage after the third canto.

It was over from there.

The scores:

San Sebastian 97 – David 24, Gayosa 18, Capobres 17, Calisaan 9, Ilagan 9, Calma 6, Costelo 5, Mercado 4, Bulanadi 3, Baetiong 2, Valdez 0, Navarro 0

Mapua 70 – Pelayo 16, Orquina 15, Bunag 13, Estrella 12, Victoria 7, Jimenez 5, Raflores 2, Aguirre 0

Quarterscores: 31-20, 46-34, 69-52, 97-70