Stags shoot for 11th win; Jr. Altas seek revenge

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian tries to strengthen its hold of second place as it shoots for win No. 11 against winless Perpetual Help today in the 86th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

Led by MVP race frontrunner Calvin Abueva and Jonathan Semira, the Stags erased a 13-point fourth quarter deficit to turn back the Jose Rizal Bombers, 64-59, Wednesday for their 10th win against a loss.

“We can’t always play like that because we know what will happen,” said SSC coach Ato Agustin, referring to the Stags’ tendency to relax.

San Sebastian actually struggled against Perpetual Help in their first meeting, needing to toughen up at endgame before pulling off a 74-69 decision last July 2.

“We can’t underestimate anyone,” said Agustin.

Jose Rizal, meanwhile, hopes to bounce back from its loss to SSC as it faces off Arellano U at 4 p.m.

The Bombers, with an 8-3 (win-loss) slate are just a game ahead of the charging Mapua Cardinals, who notched their seventh win in 11 games with a 74-65 win over the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals last Friday.

In Junior action, the Junior Altas (7-3) will try to keep the second spot as they battle fourth running Staglets (7-4), who beat them, 74-89, the last time out.

The Las Piñas-based Jr. Altas battle the Staglets at 12 noon after the first game between the JRU Light Bombers (6-5) and Arellano U Baby Chiefs (0-11) at 10 a.m.

Junior Altas head coach Tonichi Pujante will rely on hotshot and 18-under RP standout Gelo Alolino, who leads the junior division scoring with 28.6 points per game in six outings, ahead of Staglet Gino Jumao-as (23.6), Light Bomber Cris dela Paz (22.3) and Letran Squire Mark Cruz (22.2) after eight games in the elims.

The Dr. Antonio Tamayo-owned university will also bank on spitfire Axel Inigo, Joel Brito, Flash Sadiwa and 6-1 power foward Topher Negranza, John Palisoc, Joville Garcia, Chrisian Pascual and Mark Bitoy.