San Sebastian-Recoletos leaned on its big second-half assault to dismantle Lyceum of the Philippines, 73-71, in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 95 men’s basketball on Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Although down on a huge 19 point, 22-41 disadvantage in the second quarter, the Golden Stags never surrendered and had Allyn Bulanadi on the commanding role.
Slowly, the squad trimmed the deficit and had the biggest shot courtesy of a short stab by rookie Rommel Calahat off an assist from Bulanadi with 5.2 second left.
Bulanadi paced San Sebastian with 28 points—with 19 coming in the second half—and had seven rebound and two steals. RK Ilagan added 11 points and three rebounds.
The Golden Stags recorded their ninth win against six losses to solidify their grip of the last Final Four spot over the trailing College of Saint Benilde and Mapua, who both share 7-8 slates.
“The good thing is, even if we had a bad start, the boys showed character, and we did have composure on the last minute. I credit this victory to them because they did not give up,” Stags Head Coach Egay Macaraya said.
Jaycee Marcelino scored 21 points for the Pirates, while Mike Nzeusseu registered a double-double of 16 points and 12 boards.
The semis-bound Lyceum could have secured the second position in the standings but instead dropped to a 12-4 record.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza