Stags fan Final Four bid

RK Ilagan (right) powers San Sebastian to a 73-71 win over Lyceum. JOAQUIN FLORES

San Sebastian College bucked a terrible start and turned back Lyceum of the Philippines University, 73-71, to bolster its bid for a Final Four slot in Season 95 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball yesterday at Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan City.

The Stags overcame the hot run of the Pirates and banked on Allyn Bulanadi, RK Ilagan and Rommel Calahat to complete the rally and improve their win-loss record to 9-6.

“This win is a big thing for us because we are fighting for our Final Four slot,” San Sebastian head coach Egay Macaraya said.

“The good thing is, even if we had a bad start, the boys showed character, and we did have composure in the last minute. I credit this victory to them because they did not give up,” he added.

Lyceum started the match with a 23-6 run before settling for a 26-11 in the first period. San Sebastian responded with a 16-5 exchange to tie the game at 55-all and get back in the game.

Bulanadi fired 28 points to go along with seven rebounds and two assists while Ilagan had 11 markers with three boards and two assists.

“I guess we already got the right approach. We were focusing on our offense but forgot to play defense, but it was the other way around in the second half because we just go with the flow and we just made our shots. So I guess the boys’ good defense on the second half is the key to this win,” Macaraya said.

Jaycee Marcelino tied the game for Lyceum with two free throws, 71-all with 21.6 seconds remaining, but the Stags found an unlikely hero in Calahat who scored on a layup, 73-71, 5.2 ticks left.

Calahat completed his heroics when he stole the ball from Reymar Caduyac in the final possession of Lyceum that denied them of chance of sending the game in overtime.

Jaycee Marcelino had 21 points and six rebounds while Mike Nzeusseu finished with 16 markers and 12 boards for the Pirates, who were denied of clinching the No. 2 spot and the twice-to-beat advantage in the next round after sliding to 12-4.

Meanwhile, College of Saint Benilde snapped its six-game skid with a 62-56 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College.

Yankie Haruna and Justin Gutang led the Blazers in a must-win game to stay in the race for a Final Four slot as they improved their mark to 7-8.

Haruna had 16 points and nine rebounds while Gutang added 12 markers and six boards.

“At least we got back to our winning ways. Whatever happens its either we win or we learn,” Saint Benilde head coach TY Tang said.

“Right now, we’re in the blur or what, but one thing’s for sure: We’re just going to keep fighting and try to win the remaining games.”