San Beda escapes San Sebastian, barges into 12th straight Finals
By Maxine Louise Lagman
7 November 2017
Defending champions San Beda continued to make way into their 12th consecutive Finals appearance after defeating San Sebastian in the stepladder semis, 76-71, Tuesday in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Despite having 19 days off the court, the Red Lions stormed through the game with so much tenacity and showed no rust, as they took an early 10-2 run and Robert Bolick and AC Soberano even fired back-to-back triples in the second frame to lead with as much as 18 points, 32-14.
The Golden Stags did not easily back down as they surged an 11-4 rally to cut the deficit to four, 52-48, late in the third quarter behind the heroics of Michael Calisaan and Jayson David.
However, just as San Sebastian found their rhythm, their key player RK Ilagan was called for a technical foul against Joe Presbitero, which drew him out of the game. Justine Mercado and Ryan Costelo were also fouled out in in the fourth, which paved the way for the Red Lions grab a double-digit lead again in the last 3:41 in the game, 72-62.
“We give credit to San Sebastian and I have so much respect to coach Egay Macaraya, because they did a good job and they had a good run this season,” said coach Boyet Fernandez.
Javee Mocon and Bolick provided the finishing touches in winning the game.
“Sabi ko lang sa players ko, just keep your cool. The only way we can get back from their physicality is to win the game,” added Fernandez.
Mocon topped San Beda with a game-high 23 points and 22 rebounds double-double along with five blocks. Bolick added 21 points, which was spiked by five triples, with four rebounds and four assists.
Donald Tankoua chipped in another double-double 13 markers and 11 boards, along with five blocks.
Meanwhile, David led San Sebastian with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Costelo had 15 points, three rebounds and three assists. Calisaan was limited to 10 points on 5-for-16 shooting and nine boards in the losing effort.
The Red Lions will face Lyceum Pirates in the best-of-three Finals series starting on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
