9 July 2019
By Maxine Louise Lagman
MANILA, Philippines – RK Ilagan proves to be one of San Sebastian’s best assets yet.
The stalwart led San Sebastian for a victorious win against Jose Rizal University, 82-51 in their debut game in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament, Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
Ilagan topped the charts banking on his expertise on the three-point line, earning him 25 points on top of five assists, three rebounds, and two steals. He had a 9-of-17 shooting from the field and sank five out of his nine attempts from downtown.
The Golden Stags were hot on their heels and owned the game from start to finish, never giving the Bombers a chance to cut down the lead.
When San Sebastian was finally comfortable with its lead in the fourth quarter, head coach Egay Macaraya surprised everyone by putting Allyn Bulanadi in the game. Bulanadi was not expected to be back on the game until he was a hundred percent healed from a dislocated shoulder.
“I was hoping nga na hindi siya lalaro, pero he was forcing me para maramdaman na raw ulit niya ang NCAA,” coach Macaraya said.
Bulanadi did not disappoint and managed to provide the Golden Stags with seven points and a steal.
Alvin Capobres was also a vital player in the game, forcing 25 turnovers and shot 50 percent from the field. He had 16 points and six rebounds in the win.
This game marks the biggest win yet in the tournament, with talks of San Sebastian as one of the league’s top contenders hyped even more.
Meanwhile, no player from JRU finished with a double-digit score. Marwin Dionisio and Stefan Steinl had eight points apiece. The Heavy Bombers shot just 32 percent from the field.
The Scores:
SAN SEBASTIAN 82 – Ilagan 25, Capobres 16, Bulanadi 7, Villapando 6, Desoyo 6, Altamirano 6, Calma 5, Calahat 4, Tero 3, Are 2, Loristo 2, Sumoda 0, Dela Cruz 0
JRU 51 – Dionisio 8, Steinl 8, Jungco 7, Dela Virgen 6, Aguilar 4, Delos Santos 4, Dela Rosa 3, Bordon 3, Miranda 2, Amores 2, Vasquez 2, Abaoag 2, Arenal 0, Dulalia 0
QUARTER SCORES: 14-8, 35-22, 61-40, 82-51
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