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.

Jose Rizal, Perpetual brace for crucial matches

Source: The Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines -  Jose Rizal University and Perpetual Help gear up for a pair of crucial matches on Thursday when they close out their respective elims campaigns in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, both needing victories to assure themselves of at least a playoff for the last Final Four berth.

Between the two, however, the Heavy Bombers seem to have the inside track for the last semis seat as they will take on the ousted Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals (7-10). In contrast, the Altas will have a tougher opponent in the San Sebastian College side still in chase for one more win to nail the No. 2 spot and the other twice-to-beat advantage in the next round.