Abueva powers Stags over Cards, 85-76

Calbin Abueva, the leading candidate for the Most Valuable Player award, came to the rescue. The do-it-all forward posted his 11th double-double performance Monday night and powered defending champion San Sebastian to an 85-76 triumph over dangerous Mapua in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan. Abueva scored 27 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, dished out four assists and registered two blocks in another monster performance to solidify his bid for the league's top individual award. With Abueva leading the way, the Stags picked up their 13th win in 14 games to stay in contention for the No.1 spot. They're only a game behind the league-leading San Beda Red Lions, who carry a perfect record after 14 games. The Stags also gained a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four matches after the Red Lions blasted the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers, 78-46, in the first game. Johnathan Semira contributed 16 points for the Stags, built around a steady 3-of-6 shooting from downtown. Pamboy Raymundo had 12 points, five rebounds and two assists, apart from making two key plays down the stretch. Raymundo fed Semira for a triple to give San Sebastian a 72-65 lead with 3:15 to go. The wily guard then put the Cardinals to rest with his own triple to give the Stags a 78-72 lead with 59.8 seconds to go. It was another tough match for the Stags, who were coming off shaky wins over winless Perpetual and Letran, respectively. "This time, we started the game well," said San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin. "The league is so competitive. Teams make great preparations every time we play, so we should not take teams lightly." Allan Mangahas top-scored for the Cardinals with 17 points, three rebounds and three assists, while rugged Mark Sarangay added 14 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out. Jason Pascual contributed 12 points, six rebounds and three blocks while Erwin Cornejo and TG Guillermo tallied 10 points apiece. The Cardinals fell to eight wins and six losses, just two games ahead of their closest pursuer, the Letran Knights, in the race for the last semis seat. - KY,RCJ, GMANews.TV