Stags seek place in history vs Blazers

San Sebastian goes for the crown and a place in the history of the collegiate league today through a sweep of a thriller of a title series against St. Benilde in Game 2 of the 78th NCAA Finals at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Christian Coronel carries anew the brunt of the Stags’ determined thrust at securing an 11th cage title that would level them with the San Beda Red Lions as the third winningest team behind the 14 crowns won by Letran and Ateneo.

Coronel’s end game heroics in Wednesday’s series opener sent San Sebastian into the threshold of the championship, hitting the game-winning foul shots with two seconds to go that broke the hearts of the Blazers, the 2000 champions, 79-78.

All eyes, however, are expected to focus on Sunday Salvacion, who exploded for 28 points in a spectacular display of firepower that went for naught after getting little contribution from his teammates.

With the exception of Salvacion, Al Magpayo and Ronald Capati, the rest of the Blazers struggled all day. Jan Anthony Coching and Jay-jay Sagad, vital cogs in St. Benilde’s Final 4 triumph over Philippine Christian University, groped for form.

But more than Coronel’s backcourt brilliance, San Sebastian coach Arturo Valenzona is pinning his hopes more on his second stringers.

"I expect my veterans to step up but I still believe the bench would be vital in this series," said Valenzona.

Indeed, Valenzona got worthy contributions from his relievers, particularly from the athletic Leomar Najorda and Paul Reguerra. Najorda, who was sidelined for two games in the eliminations due to a knee injury, came off the bench to scatter 23 markers while Reguerra chipped in 10 points in well-relief job.

But despite dropping Game 1, Dong Vergaire and the Blazers are not about to push the panic button yet.

"Everything would hinge on how we play in Game 2. If we work harder and believe on ourselves, anything is possible," said Vergaire, whose 2000 title was at the expense of Valenzona and the Stags.

Vergaire noted that while breaks went in San Sebastian’s way in the home-stretch, its more of his players reaction to clutch situations especially in the endgame.

Meanwhile, perennial champion San Beda hopes to accomplish what it failed to do last Wednesday as it clashes with upset-conscious Letran, the reigning titlist, in a knockout match for the juniors’ crown.

The Red Cubs were foiled of a clean sweep after dropping a 94-97 decision to the Squires, coached by former PBA cager Jing Ruiz.