Stags equal longest run with No. 14

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian College matched the league’s longest winning record of 14 as it scored an expected 94-61 romp over ousted College of St. Benilde yesterday in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

MVP contender Jimbo Aquino turned in a 25-point, nine-rebound and three-assist performance while rookies Ian Sangalang, Ronald Pascual and Calvin Abueva stepped up to churn out double-digit scores of 16, 12 and 12 points, respectively, as the Stags took a 16-point bulge in the first quarter and never looked back.

It was San Sebastian’s 14th straight victory, duplicating San Beda’s streak in 2006 that started the Red Lions’ three-peat feat.

The Stags need two more wins to clinch the first twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four although the Recoletos-based squad is now aiming for a sweep of 18 games for an automatic spot in the best-of-three finals.

They play the Arellano U Chiefs on Sept. 21, the Letran Knights on Sept. 25 before taking on the next two best teams in the fold – the Jose Rizal U Bombers on Sept. 28 and the Red Lions on Oct. 7.

“We’re not actually thinking of a sweep right now as I keep reminding my players to take it one game at a time,” said SSC coach Ato Agustin.

The Blazers, who missed the services of injured skipper Jeff Morial, Chuck Dalanon, Robbie Manalac and William Johnston, fell to their 10th setback against four wins.

In juniors’ action, Gino Juamo-as fired 20 points and plucked 10 rebounds as four-peat titlist San Sebastian edged CSB, 71-66, to boost its Final Four bid with an 11-3 card.

EAC earlier slammed Angeles U Foundation, 74-53, for its third win against 12 defeats.

In the other game, Argel Mendoza made 25 points, 13 assists, six rebounds and one steal as Emilio Aguinaldo College fashioned out an 87-73 rout of first round tormentor Angeles U Foundation.

It was the Generals’ fifth win against 10 losses to move up to sixth while the Great Danes fell to their 13th setback against a win.