San Sebastian exploded in the third quarter and crushed Jose Rizal University, 85-73, Friday to continue on to the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament stepladder at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Golden Stags emerged from a 43-41 deficit in the last 7:16 in the third quarter and took a 28-4 run for a 71-45 lead at the end of the period.
“Pinag-usapan namin na kailangan namin matigil ang momentum ng JRU before the second half,” said coach Egay Macaraya. “’Yun ang kailangan namin gawin eh, kaya I’m thankful.”
The Heavy Bombers tried to diffuse the bomb turned against them in the fourth quarter as Jed Mendoza almost cut the lead to a single digit, 83-73, but they were not able to make it until the end of the buzzer as San Sebastian kept hold of the game.
With the win, San Sebastian will take on San Beda for the last stage of the stepladder semis on November 7, before the winner’s game could face top-seed Lyceum in the best-of-three Finals.
RK Ilagan has led the Stags once again as he finished with 21 points from 5-of-7 from downtown, on top of five rebounds and five assists.
Michael Calisaan shot nine of his 13 points in the third frame, along with eight rebounds and two dimes. Allyn Bulanadi chipped in another 13 points with six rebounds, while Jason David had 10 markers, seven boards and three assists in the victory.
Mendoza, topped JRU with 20 points on 6-for-13 shooting, along with five assists, four steals and three rebounds.
Tey Teodoro added 12 markers, while MJ dela Virgen and Ervin Grospe chipped in 11 points each in the losing end.
The Scores:
SAN SEBASTIAN 85 – Ilagan 21, Calisaan 13, Bulanadi 13, David 10, Calma 9, Gayosa 7, Costelo 5, Navarro 3, Baetiong 2, Mercado 2, Capobres 0, Valdez 0.
