San Sebastian thwarts Perpetual Help, secures playoff for 2nd place

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines—Calvin Abueva fouled out early but it didn’t keep San Sebastian from weathering a late-game push by Perpetual Help.

With Ian Sangalang and Ronald Pascual in tow, the Stags restored order en route to an 80-62 win over the Altas Thursday night in the NCAA Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil flying V Arena in San Juan city.

“We were lucky we had a lead,” said SSC head coach Allan Trinidad on Abueva fouling out. 

Altas need win vs Stags to enhance semis bid

Source: Joey Villar; Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines - Perpetual Help faces an uphill battle as it seeks to remain in the Final Four race against San Sebastian in a make-or-break bid on Thursday at The Arena in San Juan.

Tied with Jose Rizal U at fourth spot with 10-7 slates, the Altas battle the San Sebastian Stags (11-5) at the close of their double-round robin elims campaign, needing no less than a victory for at least a playoff for the fourth and last semis berth.

The Bombers are also in a must-win situation but unlike the Altas, the Mandaluyong-based squad will have a rather lighter assignment in the ousted Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals (7-10), also on Thursday.

Bombers rip Stags, stay in Final 4 race

Source: Joey Villar, Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal fed on an explosive first half offensive and bucked repeated rallies by San Sebastian for an 82-74 victory that kept the Bombers Final Four hopes afloat in the 88th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

Byron Villarias unleashed a game-high 28 points he spiked with a season-high tying eight triples as the Bombers snared their 10th win against seven losses to move just half-a-game behind joint third running Perpetual Help Altas and Letran Knights (10-6).