Stags defuse Bombers, reach NC final vs Lions

MANILA, Philippines - John Raymundo took charge in the fourth quarter yesterday as defending champion San Sebastian scored a 61-52 victory over Jose Rizal and forced a title rematch with San Beda in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena.

Raymundo delivered when needed most. He unleashed 10 straight points in one stretch in the fourth quarter to help seal the win and the Stags’ return trip to the finals.

There, San Sebastian will face San Beda, which completed a historic 16-game sweep of the elims for an automatic slot in the best-of-three finals where it would go with a 1-0 edge.

“We’re happy to be back in the finals,” said San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin, who is hoping to steer the Mendiola-based school to its 13th championship on his last year as collegiate coach.

“We made a quick adjustment on our defense and I told Pamboy (Raymundo) to take charge,” said Agustin, now the head coach of San Miguel in the PBA.

The Bombers had a strong start and took a 9-2 lead on strong plays by Alex Almario. They slowed down and trailed by 10 points but still managed to take three-point leads behind the hits of Nate Matute and Ildefonso Bulangis.

Raymundo then took charge with his 10 straight points, including eight from the foul line.

“I know if we lose, this is going to be my last game,” said the 5-9 Raymundo, who is on his fifth and last season. “That’s why I try to be a leader out there and take charge if needed.”

Marvin Hayes, who is also playing his final year, tried to carry the fight for the Bombers but was pulled out after picking up his fourth foul midway in the fourth quarter.

When Hayes, picked by Alaska in the last PBA draft, returned to the floor, the Stages had taken control of the match.

Ian Sangalang, slowed down early in the season by injuries, and MVP leader Calvin Abueva combined for 23 points, 26 rebounds and four shot blocks to carry the Stags to victory.

Ronald Pascual, sidelined for five games before this crucial match, struggled with eight points on a woeful two-of-11 shooting and three-of-six from the charity lane.

But Agustin expects his 6-3 forward to be 100 percent ready for their much-awaited finale with San Beda.

“We’re going to take a rest tomorrow (today) and hopefully he (Pascual) will have time to reach 100 percent. He has five days to do that,” said Agustin.