Stags win, forge finals vs Lions

MANILA, Philippines – San Sebastian made its way back to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball finals by beating Jose Rizal University (JRU), 61-52, in the stepladder semifinal series at The Arena in San Juan City on Friday.

The Golden Stags leaned on Pamboy Raymundo’s steady scoring in the fourth quarter which saw the Heavy Bomber’s offense crumble in the face of San Sebastian’s stonewall defense.

Defending champion San Sebastian’s semifinal victory forges a finals rematch against league leader San Beda Red Lions, who enjoy a thrice-to-beat advantage in the championship round.

After trailing the defending champions for three quarters, the Heavy Bombers finally tied the Stags, 46-all, midway the fourth frame.

However, JRU was beset by foul troubles and were already in the penalty by the middle of the final quarter. It was at this junction when Raymundo sparked a searing 9-1 run against the Bombers.

The Bombers tried to snatch the Stags’ scoring momentum when Alex Almario scored a steal and ran for a fast break. However, MVP derby leader Calvin Abueva swatted Almario's attempt with 1.52 minutes remaining.

Eric Gathalian iced the game at the free throw line to peg the final scores at 61-52.

The Bombers sparked a 9-2 run on Almario’s triple and John Lopez’s undergoal stab to get ahead of the Stags in the early part of the first quarter.

JRU, however, was beset by early foul trouble, and San Sebastian took advantage of this as Ian Sangalang and Jonathan Semira pushed the Stags ahead by the end of the first frame, 14-12.

Anthony del Rio’s triple opened San Sebastian’s scoring spree in the second quarter. Then Abueva teamed up with Sangalang to make it 19-16 for the Stags.

Cameroonian Joe Etame and Dave Matute helped keep JRU afloat in the second frame. Matute’s triple late in that quarter brought the Bombers within 8 points, 28-20, at the end of the first half.

After a 2-3 exchange between JRU and San Sebastian, Ronald Pascual connected with a three-pointer to make it a 10-point game for the Stags, 33-23.

Matute retaliated with a triple of his own but Abueva and Almario scored back-to-back baskets to keep San Sebastian ahead, 36-30.

JRU refused to back down as JR Bulangis’ drive to the basket and Marvin Hayes’ 3-point play cut San Sebastian’s lead to just 3 points, 38-35.

Abueva’s free throw shot on Bulangis’ foul settled the third quarter scores for the Stags, 39-35.

Scores:

San Sebastian 61 -Raymundo 14, Sangalang 13, Abueva 10, Pascual 8, Semira 7, del Rio 5, Gatchalian 4, Bulawan 0, Najorda 0.

JRU 52 -Hayes 10, Matute 9, Almario 8, Etame 8, Lopez J. 6, Njei 5, Bulangis 4, Montemayor 2, Badua 0, Apinan 0, Kabigting 0.

Quarterscores:;14-12, 28-20, 39-35, 61-52.
-ABSCBNNEWS.COM