MANILA, Philippines – San Sebastian pounced on an off-form La Salle side and dominated the paint all game as the Stags rolled to an easy 73-59 victory in the Filoil-Flying V Pre-Season MVP Cup at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.
The Stags rode on an explosive first quarter run to take control, sustained their form in the second to build a whopping 32-point lead before cruising to their fourth win against a loss dealt by the Jose Rizal U Bombers the last time out.
“The key to this win was our rebounding,” said SSC coach Ato Agustin. “We were also able to break their press.”
John Murphy Raymundo scored seven points for San Sebastian, but led the pack most of the way to break La Salle’s dreaded fullcourt press.
Jimbo Aquino fired 18 points, Raymond Maconocido had 10 while Ian Sangalang and John Murphy Raymundo combined for 17 points for San Sebastian, which tied Adamson in second in Group A.
The Archers groped for form coming off a three-week training from the US and could only come closest at 14 with still 2:39 left in the contest tipped to be close but ended up in a blowout.
Earlier, Adamson muscled its way past winless National U, 65-57, to roll to its fourth straight win against a lone defeat in Group A.
The Falcons sustained their form in the entire contest and simply outplayed the Bulldogs, posting leads of as many as 19 points in the third quarter.
The Bulldogs tried to mount a rally in the first five minutes of the last period but the Falcons quickly thwarted the fightback with Austin Manyara coming up with a slam to give Adamson another 12-point lead, 65-53, with 46.4 seconds left in the contest.
Lester Alvarez and Janus Lozada combined for 21 points for Adamson. – With report from contributor Celest Flores