Stags storm to No. 13, reach Final 4

MANILA, Philippines - Jimbo Aquino hit 30 points as San Sebastian College dumped Mapua, 101-65, to extend its win run to 13 and formalize its stint in the Final Four of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

Aquino spiked his scoring spree with four triples as the Stags led from start to finish to earn a return trip to the semis while surpassing the 12-game streak posted by 1997 champion SSC squad.

The win also moved the Stags to within five games from completing a sweep of the double-round elimination for an automatic spot in the best-of-three finals.

“We’re happy to make it to the Final Four, that’s actually our initial plan,” said San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin. “Then we’ll have a team building session to discuss how we could win our last five games.”

Earlier, Letran went to the veteran pair of RJ Jazul and Rey Guevarra to down Angeles U Foundation, 100-83, and firmed up its hold of the fourth spot at 10-4.

Jazul and Guevarra fired six triples each to finish with 26 points apiece as the Knights padded their lead over the fifth-running Arellano Chiefs (7-6) in their battle for the fourth and last semis seat.

The Knights drained a season high 16 triples, erasing the previous best 15 converted by the Cardinals in the first round. It included one from way behind the mid-court by reserve Patrick Ang at the buzzer.

In juniors’ action, Letran beat AUF, 153-32, to clinch the first Final Four slot with a 14-0 record while four-peat titlist San Sebastian tripped Mapua, 89-61, to improve 10-4 and close in on San Beda (11-1).

The Junior Danes fell to their 13th straight defeat while the Red Robins absorbed their 11th setback against two wins.