Stags eye 'bonus' vs Bombers

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian College, foiled in its sweep bid and an outright finals berth, shifts its focus to the twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four as it plays Jose Rizal University in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

After moving within three wins from sweeping the double-round elims, the Stags were ambushed by the Letran Knights, who stopped their 15-game run with an 80-63 rout last Sept. 25.

 “It’s heartbreaking,” said SSC coach Ato Agustin of the setback. “But we have to move on and focus on getting the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.”

Gametime is at 4 p.m.

San Sebastian overpowered Jose Rizal U, 91-76, in their first meeting last Aug. 3 with MVP contender Jimbo Aquino coming away with 23 points.

But the Bombers, in third with a 14-2 card, are expected to come out strong this time as they try to force a three-way tie for the lead with the Stags and the San Beda Lions and enhance their own bid for the Final Four bonus.

“We’re keeping the faith that our best game is yet to come. At this point there is very little room for error I hope our experience in this kind of situation can pull us through,” said JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia.

A victory by SSC will clinch the Stags the first twice-to-beat advantage although they will still face the Red Lions on Oct. 12 for the No. 1 spot.

The Bombers, even if they lose, would remain in the hunt for the twice-to-beat incentive with a victory over the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals on Friday coupled by San Beda’s loss to San Sebastian in the final elims playdate.

Vanguardia vowed to go all out for the win to avoid complications.

“Our primary goal is to win,” said Vanguardia.

Meanwhile, St. Benilde (5-11) and Perpetual Help (3-14) collide in the non-bearing game at 2 p.m.