For the San Sebastian College Stags, getting their first win of the season is very important.
Coach Egay Macaraya felt that their 82-51 crushing of the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers on Tuesday will give the Stags their needed confidence in the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
“I guess na-challenged naman ‘yung mga bata, they showed good game tonight,” said Stags’ coach Egay Macaraya on their first win in the season.
Last year, the Stags forfeited their opening game win over College of St. Benilde after it was learned that their main man RK Ilagan did not get clearance to see action in a pre-season cagefest.
This time, the 5’7” Ilagan played his heart out and led the Stags with 25 points, which included five triples.
The Stags first established a 13-point lead in the first half.
Then, Ilagan came in and fired 13 in the third period, allowing the Stags to take control with a 61-40 spread.
“Gusto kong bumawi sa tiwala na binibigay sa akin ni Coach Egay at ng buong San Sebastian community,” said Ilagan.
Alvin Capobres backed up Ilagan with 16 points, while Allyn Bulanadi, who is still recovering from a shoulder injury, had 7.
The Stags will seek their second straight win on Tuesday against the Mapua Cardinals.