Stags try to rebound sans coach

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian hopes to regain its winning ways without its head coach as it squares off with struggling Lyceum in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan today.

The Stags are coming off a shock 67-77 setback to the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals last Saturday and will head to their 6 p.m. clash with the Pirates (2-8) without coach Topex Robinson.

The sophomore mentor resigned Monday, leaving either Allan Trinidad or Raymond Valenzona or possibly team consultant Arturo Valenzona to call the shots for the Stags.

Meanwhile, Mapua and Letran, tied at fifth on 4-5 (win-loss) slates, collide at 4 p.m.

The 36-year-old Robinson, who steered SSC to a finals appearance in his rookie season last year and guided the team to a strong start this year, quit his post to focus on his new job as one of the assistant coaches at Alaska in the PBA.

“I have resigned as coach of San Sebastian to focus on being an assistant coach at Alaska Milk,” said Robinson. “As much as I wanted to stay and finish the season, I could not because it would be unfair to the team and to the school because I would not be giving my 100 percent.”

He, however, reiterated his desire to still help the team on a different capacity.

The Stags are currently tied for second with the Jose Rizal Bombers and Perpetual Help Altas on 7-3 (win-loss) slates, one game behind the Lions (8-2).