The San Sebastian Golden Stags almost wasted a 20 point lead against the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals before Michael Calisaan stabilized his team to settle for an 87-78 win Friday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Calisaan led the Golden Stags with 25 markers, seven rebounds, and three blocks in the game. Regile Ilagan added 18 markers, knocking down four triples in the game.
The Stags held a huge 53-30 lead entering halftime as they were able to force the Generals to 17 first half turnovers leading to 14 turnover points. Moreover, the Aris Sison-mentored squad were only able to attempt 25 shots, knocking down just six field goals, that contributed to the deficit.
“I’ve always addressed this to boys that I want them to learn how to win. However, na-prepressure din yung mga boys,” first year San Sebastian head coach Egay Macaraya said. “Nung fourth quarter, nakita natin na nahirapan yung mga boys nung nag-run sila.”
Behind the hot shooting of Ilagan, the Stags were able to maintain a 75-55 lead in the third frame. However, EAC’s quintet of Hamadou Laminou, Francis Munsayac, Sydney Onwubere, and returning players Igee King and Jorem Morada did not go down without a fight.
The EAC five limited their opponents to just eight points in the first eight minutes of the final frame. On the other end, Onwubere and Laminou lambasted the interior defense of the Stags’ second unit in a huge EAC rally. The rally was capped by a huge dunk by Laminou that trimmed the lead to just seven, 83-76, with 44 ticks to go.
“Kung tutuusin natin run lang yun e and basketball is just a game of runs,” Macaraya said. Calisaan then added that they panicked against the trapping defense of the Generals. “Medyo nag-panic kami nung fourth quarter na mas lalo nung nag-tratrap na sila. Sinabihan kami ni coach na ‘don’t panic’ kasi ganun naman talaga yung basketball,” Calisaan said.
Calisaan was able to buck the late-game hijack of EAC with a layup and two free throws to seal the victory.
“Hopefully, next time matuto silang manalo every game, every quarter,” Macaraya closed.
Laminou notched a double-double with 20 points and 16 boards. He was able to swat away six shots as well. Onwubere also grabbed a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
As a team, San Sebastian shot 40% from the field compared to just 34% for the Generals. Moreover, the Stags were able to knockdown 11 triples in the game that proved to be the difference.
The San Sebastian Stags (A, 2-2) will have the Arellano University Chiefs next on their slate on Friday, May 20 at 1:30pm. The EAC Generals (A, 0-3) look for their first win as they face the UP Fighting Maroons on the same day at 11:15am.
The Scores:
SSC-R (87) – Calisaan 25, Ilagan 18, Gayosa 19, David 8, Serajosef 8, Fabien 7, Capobres 5, Johnson 4, Valdez 2, Costelo 0, Mercado 0, Bulanadi 0, Baetiong 0, Quipse 0, Miguel 0.
EAC (78) – Laminou 20, Onwubere 19, Munsayac 12, Diego 10, King 6, Corilla 5, Guzman 4, Morada 2, Pascua 0, Mendoza 0, Estacio 0, Aguas 0.
Quarterscores: 20-11, 53-30, 75-55, 87-78.
