Diminutive point guard Regille Ilagan created scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates in the second and third quarter.
He waited for his time and when it came, the San Sebastian Stags asserted themselves with their outside shooting and presence under the boards.
The 5’8 Ilagan’s explosive plays in the second period, coupled by Michael Calisaan’s hustle played in the third quarter gave the Stags the 1-2 punch they needed to knock the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers out of contention, 85-73, last Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Because of this, the Stags moved a win closer to the second finals slot in the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) stepladder semifinal playoffs.
“Yun ang sabi ng mga coaches. Mag-create ako (plays). Huwag akong magmadali. Nag-papasalamat nga ako sa mga coaches. Yun, na shoot ko mga three points ko,” said Ilagan.
Ilagan went on to 15 of 21 points in the second period.
His big baskets allowed the Stags to take command 41-34 lead at halftime.
Ilagan, who connected five of seven three-point attempts, unloaded a couple of treys in the last 59 seconds of the second half, allowing the Stags to claim a 41-34 halftime edge.
Allyn Bulanadi had 13 points with Michael Calisaan, with his rebound and three-point play with 6:49 to go sending the Stags to an eight point lead, 49-41.
Calisaan, who had eight rebounds, struck with nine points in the third, and during a decisive 22-0 blast that handed the Stags a 71-43 spread with seven ticks left.
“Alam namin na maliliit kami. Kaya nga Stags kami eh. Dinala naming sa sipag, bilis at hustle. And that is what happened in the third quarter,” said Stags coach Egay Macaraya as they get ready to meet no. 2 San Beda on Nov. 7.
Jed Mendoza made 20 points for JRU.