ALLYN Bulanadi converted a crucial jump shot in the dying seconds to lift the San Sebastian College Stags to a shocking 72-71 upset of the league-leading San Beda Red Lions yesterday at the Arena in San Juan.
The 19-year-old Bulanadi struck with nine of his 16-point tally in the fourth period to kindle the Stags’ fading hopes to reach the Final Four semifinals of the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
Bulanadi, who hails from Davao City, capped his performance with a pivotal jump shot in the last 3.8 seconds to power the Stags to their second consecutive win and only their third overall against nine losses.
Meanwhile, the Mapua Cardinals got a monster game from reigning MVP Allwell Oraeme and a strong fourth quarter showing from Andrew Estrella to stop the Lyceum Pirates, 90-75.
The Cardinals stayed at no. 4 spot with a 7-4 card.
Oraeme led with 27 points, 25 rebounds and four blocks while Estrella fired all his 12 points in the final period that helped the Cardinals clinched the win.
The Pirates skidded to 5-6.
San Beda, which took its second loss in 12 games, lost a 14-point lead early in the fourth quarter.
The Red Lions continued to miss the presence of injured big man Donald Tankoua. The Red Lions lost Tankoua for the rest of the season due to a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) he suffered in their last win over the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals.
The Stags pounced on a winning opportunity after Bulanadi almost blew it for the Stags. His inbound pass went bad and San Beda’s Robert Bolick swatted it away. Roldan Sara gained possession and was fouled. Sara went to the foul line with San Beda ahead 71-70, with 9.6 seconds to go but missed his two charities.
Bulanadi then made an attempt from the top of key for the winning shot. After that, San Beda could not get a decent shot in its last play.
“Big victory. The boys didn’t give up, they showed character and really wanted to win,” said Stags coach Egay Macaraya.