Stags strong finish scuttles Blazers

Last year’s second placer San Sebastian overcame another lethargic first half as it pummeled St. Benilde, 88-74, yesterday to post its second straight victory in the 80th NCAA basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

All it took was a huge second half onslaught fuelled by the exciting trio of Chris Baluyot, last year’s MVP Leomar Najorda and Pep Moore as the Stags improved to a 2-2 (win-loss) slate. The Blazers took their fourth straight loss.

Baluyot sizzled with 17 points, eight of which coming in a pivotal third quarter run, while Najorda scattered half of his 16-point production in the second half. The 6-foot-7 Moore, for his part, added 11 including five in the final period.

Host Perpetual Help outplayed San Beda in the second overtime as it eked out a 75-70 victory to seize a share of second place with defending champion Letran in the other game.

Dom Javier sizzled with 21 points, including six in the first overtime as the Altas hung tough while Vladimir Joe knocked in five of his 15 points in the second extension period to seal their third win.

"Sabi ko lang walang bibitiw at natuwa ako hindi talaga sila bumitiw," said Perpetual coach Arturo "Bai" Cristobal, who also scored the referees’ indecisiveness.

Cristobal was furious about the game officials’ decision nullifying a Javier triple at the buzzer signaling the end of the first OT.

The Altas had walked into their locker room thinking that the basket was counted but was recalled 10 minutes later after officials conferred with the timer and commissioner Ricky Palou.