Ex-SSC Star Predicts Team Will Keep Title

Although San Sebastian College barely got past Letran, 59-53, in its opening match at the start of the 86th NCAA basketball tournament last Saturday, Jimbo Aquino, the team's former top gunner and last year's Finals MVP, is confident that the Stags will keep their title.

Aquino, who has finished his collegiate playing years, sat behind the Stags bench at the Araneta Coliseum to give his former teammates morale support.

"I think they have the material to make it to the finals and win the championship again," Aquino said in Filipino. "Even without me, the team remains formidable because everybody has stepped up and everyone has now become a threat."

The Stags struggled all through out but managed to pull through behind a tenacious defense and the heroics of Ronald Pascual and the athletic Calvin Abueva.

"It's only the team's first game and they are still looking for their form," Aquino said. SSC coach Ato Agustin agreed.

"It doesn't matter if we struggle offensively as long as we also limit their offense through our tough defense," Agustin said.

The Stags had a dismal 21 of 57 shooting clip and turned the ball over 24 times, allowing the Knights to make a strong stand despite an undermanned line up.

The Knights missed injured Kevin Alas, but kept themselves within striking distance and even led 30-27 at the half.

But the 6-foot-2 Pascual turned the tide in their favor after knocking down 13 of his 15 points in the third quarter to help the Stags regain the momentum and the lead, 47-39, which they held on until the end. The Knights were able to come as close as 53-55 on a JP Belencion triple, but were held scoreless in the last 2:04.

Calvin Abueva also made his presence felt, especially in the first half where he fired nine of his 13 points to stop the Knights from pulling away after racing to a 9-2 lead.

San Beda College likewise got off to a roaring start as it demolished Jose Rizal University, 68-52, and spoiled the debut of Bombers coach Vergel Meneses.

The San Beda Red Cubs, on the other hand open their quest for a back-to-back title when they go up against the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers at the resumption of hostilities Monday at 4 p.m. at The Arena in San Juan.

Francis Santiago, Manila Bulletin