Stags upset Lions, 72-71, on Bulanadi’s game-winner
THE San Sebastian Stags continued with their giant-slaying ways of late, upending the league-leading San Beda Red Lions, 72-71, in their National Collegiate Athletic Association match yesterday at Fil- Oil Arena in San Juan City.
While they struggled for much of the opening round, the Stags have picked things up in the second half of Season 72, winning two of three games so far.
Prior to yesterday’s win, San Beda defeated the Perpetual Help Altas, 71-55.
Allyn Bulanadi led the way for the Stags, hitting what turned out to be the game-winner with three seconds left in the match.
Down by one point, 71-70, with nine ticks remaining, Bulanadi raced down the court after getting the rebound off two misses from San Beda’s Dan Sara on the free throw line to hit the winning shot.
The win was an impressive comeback for the Stags who trailed for much of the second half after leading at the halfway mark, 37-27.
San Sebastian fashioned out a rally in the fourth period that had them tying the game at 68-all with less than two minutes left in the game, setting the heroics of Bulanadi.
Bulanadi topscored for the Stags, now improving to 3-9, with 16 points and six rebounds.
Alvin Capobres had 13 while Michael Calisaan had 11 points and 10 rebounds.
“The boys really wanted the win. I’m happy with how we have been performing of late and hopefully we get to sustain it,” said Stags coach Egay Macaraya after the win.
The loss dropped San Beda to 10-2. It was the first time the team played without import Donald Tankoua who suffered a season-ending knee injury in their previous game.
Javee Mocon paced the Lions with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Sara had 12. —