Stags, Lions sparkle in 86th NCAA opening

Calvin Abueva finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, an assist and a little bit of everything for San Sebastian Stags to win.

His performance should serve as a stern warning for those other bidders trying to stop the reigning champion Stags, who found a new leader capable of doing it all.

With Abueva anchoring his team on both ends of the court, the Stags outlasted the hard-fighting Letran Knights, 59-53, in an intensity-filled opening salvo of the NCAA’s 86th season at the packed Araneta Coliseum.

Abueva’s numbers were deceiving as they overshadowed San Sebastian’s paltry shooting from the field. The team made only 21-of-57 attempts, but coach Ato Agustin remains unperturbed.

“We committed a lot of turnovers and we missed a lot of shots," said San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin, referring to their 24 turnovers.

“I don’t mind if we play like this on offense as long as we play tough defense," added Agustin, who skipped the San Miguel Beermen's important out-of-town game in the Philippine Basketball Association just to be with his champion squad.

The Stags, who missed the services of Dave Najorda and had to suit up Ian Sanggalang, banked on their solid team defense down the stretch.

Despite playing without top gun Kevin Alas, who suffered a pulled harmstring injury, the Knights managed to battle the Stags toe-to-toe until the crucial stages of the game.

They were within striking distance, 50-51, as Jam Cortes and Jaypee Belencion teamed up.

Abueva powered his way to the basket and gave the Stags some breathing room, 53-50, with still 3:54 left before the ending was decided by stops on both ends of the court.

A starry opening cast led by celebrities Kyla, Billy Joe Crawford, Jay-R and KC Montero among others opened up hostilities in the 86th staging of the country’s oldest collegiate tournament.

San Beda spoiled the coaching debut of PBA great Vergel Meneses by running roughshod over Jose Rizal University, 68-52, in the main game.

The Lions, a team always relying on its firepower, showed their new found strength on the defensive end as they held the Heavy Bombers to only two field goals in the third period to set the tone for the rout.

“Dave Marcelo played an explosive game with 17 rebounds and five blocks, same with Borgie Hermida, who is playing his final year and Garvo Lanete," said San Beda coach Frankie Lim.

“We just pressured them the whole game. It appeared that they (JRU) self-destructed after we pressured them."

Rome Dela Rosa, son of former PBA superstar Romy dela Rosa, sank two free throws in the 6:17 mark of the third to give the Lions their biggest lead, 58-38. - GMANews.TV


Scores:
San Sebastian 59 - Pascual 15, Abueva 13, Sangalang 9, Bulawan 8, Raymundo 8, Del Rio 4, Maconocido 2, Gorospe 0, Semira 0, Dela Cruz 0, Gatchalian 0.
Letran 53- Taplah 11, Belencion 11, Cortes 9, Dysam 8, Espiritu 5, J. Alas 4, Belorio 2, Almazn 2, Pantin 1, Rodil 0, Ang 0.
Quarterscores: 18-14, 27-30, 47-40, 59-53.

San Beda 68 - Lanete 17, Hermida 15, Dela Rosa 9, Marcelo 7, Caram 5, K. Pascual 4, Mendoza 4, A.Semerad 4, Daniel 3, J. Pascual 0, D. Semerad 0, Lim 0.
Jose Rizal U 52 – Hayes 9, Lopez 9, Etame 8, Njei 6, Almario 6, Matute 6, Montemayor 4, Kabigting 2, Badua 2, Bulangis 0, Duncil 0.
Quarterscores: 14-6, 32-28, 53-35, 68-52.