SAN SEBASTIAN KEEPS FINAL FOUR FOUR HOPES ALIVE, DOWNS BENILDE
By Maxine Louise Lagman
21 September 2017
Renzo Navarro powered the San Sebastian College Golden Stags late in the fourth quarter to overthrow the College of Saint Benilde Blazers, 73-61 on Thursday in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The former Green Archer, Navarro, helped double the Stags’ lead in the fourth period after making back-to-back booming triples, 70-52, adding 12 of his 16 points to clinch the win.
With Michael Calisaan being the target for the opposing team to defend against with, Navarro took the chance to step up and took away five treys for the Stags to keep a comfortable cushion away from the Blazers.
“Si Michael kasi ang victim talaga, kaya gusto ko lahat ng player also work hard all the time,” said Coach Egay Macaraya. “Good thing this time, pumapasok ‘yung tira ni Renzo.”
San Sebastian made 23 points from forcing the Blazers to commit 33 turnovers, eight of which came from big man Clement Leutcheu.
“I guess the boys really want to be here. Hopefully, everybody will step up para hindi naman kami masyadong mahirapan makapunta sa Final Four,” added Macaraya.
The Golden Stags keep hold of fourth place along with Letran Knights and EAC Generals, after lifting their record to a 6-6 card.
Calisaan chipped in 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Ryan Costelo added 10 points.
Meanwhile, Leutcheu powered the Blazers with 15 points and nine rebounds along with Unique Naboa, who added another 15 points on top of three rebounds.
