Staglets topple Jr Red Warriors

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian buckled down to work early and demolished defending juniors champion University of the East, 93-59, in the Filoil Flying V Accel-Badolato Cup at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

The Golden Staglets started with a 21-2 run and were hardly threatened in the lopsided match.

“We’re really prepared for this game, knowing that UE is the defending champion,” said SSC-R coach Raymond Valenzona. “We watched tapes of their games to study their game play. We improved our defense and we were able to contain them.”

The Golden Staglets did work on a methodical defense which allowed them to dominate the Junior Warriors for their third straight win in Group C.

In the second game, Arellano University also seized control early and walloped University of the Philippines, 92-55.

“It’s more of their attitude in the way they treated the game,” said Arellano coach Tylon Dar Juan. “I just reminded the boys that they should have the drive to win. We should try to establish an early lead and not just fight at endgame like in our previous games.”

The Braves responded to Dar Juan’s challenge, opening a 33-point bulge, 51-18, in the second period.