San Sebastian College-Recoletos finally ended their losing skid and won over the Mapua University Cardinals, 75-66, Friday in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
“Finally, the boys played well. Kahit na mahirap kasi galing sa talo, the boys did the right thing,” said Coach Egay Macaraya.
The San Sebastian Stags admitted that they had difficulties playing as a team, because they had a hard time completing their line-up during team practices. Ryan Costelo and Alvin Capobres have minor injuries in the start of the season, while Jerick Fabian wasn’t fielded for the season.
Yet Coach Macaraya is confident that the squad will find their rhythm and be able to play well in the upcoming games.
San Sebastian started strong in the match and limited Mapua to a 14-5 lead in the first quarter. In the third frame, the Stags also led by as much as 14 points, but Mapua cut the lead to seven, 73-66 with Andrew Estrella’s triple and Christian Bunag’s baskets on the foul line.
However, Costelo shut down Mapua’s hopes after capping off the game with his free throw shots.
Allyn Bulanadi also bounced back from his game against Perpetual last Tuesday, and finished with 18 points. Costelo and RK Ilagan had 10 points each.
Estrella had his career-high 27 points, while Bunag added nine points and 17 rebounds.
San Sebastian climbed to 2-3 win-loss record in the team standings, along with Perpetual, Arellano and JRU, while Mapua fell to 1-4.
The Stags will face Saint Benilde Blazers on Friday, August 11. Mapua will take on the Blazers as well on Tuesday, August 8
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