SAN SEBASTIAN’S “Pinatubo Trio” once again came up with another explosive performance as they led the Stags to an 87-79 victory over the Lyceum Pirates in the 88th NCAA basketball tournament yesterday at the Arena in San Juan City.
Ronald Pascual scored 32 points and spiked that performance with eight three-point shots, three of which ignited the Stags in the fourth period as it turned a 69-73 deficit into a 78-73 lead.
Reigning MVP Calvin Abueva came up with his second triple-double of the season with 16 points, 23 rebounds and 10 assists while Ian Sangalang added 20 points and 16 boards.
The Stags flirted with disaster as they trailed, 69-73, after baskets made by Shane Ko and Mark Francisco. However, Pascual, who is recovering from an ACL injury late last year, came alive and shot three straight three-point bombs that turned the tide in their favor.
San Sebastian now has a share of the lead in the standings with their fourth win in five games, the same as the Perpetual Help Altas and the San Beda Red Lions./Correspondent Jonas Panerio