Stags fight back, send Knights to the brink

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian College fought back from 15 points down and nipped Letran at the finish, 59-58, to close in on a twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four of the 86th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

Calvin Abueva and John Raymundo combined for 21 of the Stags’ 27 fourth quarter points as the defending champions completed their fightback from 15-points down late in the third period to annex their 12th win against one loss.

Abueva finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds in another double-double performance by the frontrunner in the MVP derby while Raymundo wound up with 12 points, four rebounds and four assists, including two in the fourth period that helped the Stags snatch the victory.

“They stepped up big in the fourth quarter,” said SSC coach Ato Agustin who missed the services of Ronald Pascual due to fever.

The Knights, trying to get into the semis via the backdoor, fell to their eighth setback against five wins, three games behind fourth-running Mapua (8-5) heading into the last two weeks of the double round elims.

Kevin Alas fired 14 points for the Knights who need to sweep their last three games and hope that the Cardinals lose theirs.

Earlier, Mapua thwarted Perpetual Help’s upset bid as it carved out a 79-72 victory to boost its Final Four bid.

Allan Mangahas shot 24 points on an impressive nine-of-13 shooting while Rodel Ranises hit four triples and finished with 15 points for the Cardinals.

Mapua, which also drew a double-double job from Mark Sarangay (12 points and 14 rebounds), need to win two of their last three games to formalize its stint in the semis.

The Cardinals missed the services of guard Andretti Stevens, out the rest of the season with an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury he sustained in a loss to the San Beda Lions (12-0) last week.

The Altas fell to their 13th straight setback.

In juniors’ action, Perpetual Help downed Mapua, 88-76, and San Sebastian turned back Letran, 78-68, to remain tied for second at 9-4.

Joshua Alino sizzled with 27 points to lead the Junior Altas while the Staglets drew 18 points from MVP bet Gino Jumao-as.

The loss dropped Squires from second to fourth with an 8-5 mark while the Red Robins reeled to their seventh defeat against six wins.

Joey Villar, Philippine Star