Stags crush Blazers, take solo lead

MANILA, Philippines – San Sebastian broke free in the second half and rolled past College of St. Benilde, 75-62, to wrest the solo lead with three straight wins in the 85th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Jimbo Aquino made only one triple this time after sinking 10 in his first two games but the prolific SSC gunner still finished with 17 points as he teamed up with rookie Calvin Abueva to stretch the Stags’ win run to three.

Abueva continued to make good impression as he capped another sterling game with 10 rebounds.

“We’re happy to be the solo leader but it’s still too early to celebrate. We still have 15 games to go,” said San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin.

The Blazers, who surprised the Mapua Cardinals to match the Stags and the Jose Rizal U Bombers’ 2-0 start, leaned on their zone defense to keep the game close in the first half. But they fizzled out in the face of the Stags’ fiery charge at resumption of the contest.

Abueva hit eight points in the third quarter and the Stags went on to outscore their rivals, 18-11, and post a 48-38 lead then bucked the Blazers’ bid in the fourth to annex the win.

St. Benilde fell to 2-1 in a tie with San Beda and Arellano U.

Earlier, Letran used a strong windup to repulse Perpetual Help, 73-68, and book its first win after back-to-back losses.

RJ Jazul fired 24 points, including five triples, while fellow Smart Gilas Pilipinas standout Rey Guevarra had 14 points and seven rebounds to power the Knights to the victory.

“I’m happy we finally won,” said Letran mentor Louie Alas.

The Knights, however, had to battle back from a 12-point deficit to pound out the victory.

After seizing a 40-39 lead at the break, the Knights ran into a torrid Perpetual offensive and the Altas grabbed a 59-47 advantage.

But Jazul took charge and came up with a steal then hit a three-pointer at the end of the third period as Letran cut Perpetual’s lead to nine, 59-50, heading into the final quarter.

The Knights sustained their momentum and rode on another big run to complete the come-from-behind win and deal the Altas their third straight setback.