Vets keep Stags card clean

MANILA, Philippines -San Sebastian went to its veterans when its combination of rookies and bench players failed to deliver as it trounced Emilio Aguinaldo, 87-73, to re-join Jose Rizal U at the helm in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Jimbo Aquino took charge in the stretch to secure the Stags’ fourth straight win, firing eight of his 14 points, while Calvin Abueva had a double-double job of 17 points and 10 rebounds and John Raymundo added 16 points.

Three-peat champion San Beda completed a day of routs by blasting Perpetual Help, 98-65, to remain in third with a 4-1 (win-loss) record.

The Altas fell to their fourth setback against a win while EAC took their fourth straight defeat.

“Without underestimating EAC, I experimented with the guys that I sparingly used because I need to strengthen them in tougher games in the future,” said San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin.

“Besides, it’s going to be a long season so I have to really make use of the bench otherwise my starters would get tired,” said the former one-time PBA MVP.

The Stags shrugged off an eight-day layoff by coming up with a series of runs in the early going, posting a 45-29 bulge before setting for a 49-37 lead at the turn.

Agustin then decided to try new combinations, using five more players outside of his usual 10-man rotation in the third quarter.

But the move backfired as the Stags staggered in offense, giving the Generals the chance to counter with a 23-14 binge to close within, 60-63, heading into the final quarter.

Sensing danger, Agustin went back to his tested crew with Raymond Maconocido and Ronald Pascual fuelling another SSC run and Aquino knocking down big baskets to scuttle the Generals’ comeback.