SAN Sebastian College is finding out that there is life even without its two former stars, gunners Allyn Bulanadi and RK Ilagan
But the Golden Stags’ resolve will be tested anew when they take on the unbeaten Mapua University Cardinals today in the 97th NCAA basketball tournament at the La Salle Green Hills Gym in Mandaluyong.
The curtain-raiser is set at noon before the main game pitting College of St. Benilde and Emilio Aguinaldo College at 3 p.m.
San Sebastian downed Perpetual Help 63-58 last Friday for its first win of the season.
Stags coach Egay Macaraya was understandably elated with how his charges, led by Rommel Calahat and Itchie Altamirano, responded after a sorry loss to Arellano University in their opening game.
“Right now, nagdadasal ako kung sino mag-i-step up kasi nawala iyong mga scorers ko,” Macaraya said. “Then (Rommel) Calahat was there with Itchie (Altamirano) and all the other guys.”
Aside from Calahat and Altamirano, San Sebastian will also bank on JM Calma and Kenneth Villapando.
Mapua pulled off a 59-56 victory over Jose Rizal University also last Friday that hiked its record to 2-0.
Cardinals strategist Randy Alcantara pointed to his players’ fortitude as the key in their win.
“Nakalusot na naman sa mahirap na game pero iyon nga, hindi sumuko iyong mga players hanggang sa dulo,” Alcantara said. “Buti na lang naka-connect especially iyong shoot ni Paolo Hernandez na talagang iyon ang bumuhay sa amin.”
The likes of Adrian Nocum, Brian Lacap, Warren Bonifacio, Paolo Hernandez, and Arvin Gamboa are expected to take charge for Mapua in its bid to join defending champion Letran and San Beda University on top.
The Blazers downed the Chiefs 76-71 three days ago and will pin their hopes on Robi Nayve, Will Gozum, Miggy Corteza, Macoy Marcos, and AJ Benson as they try to raise their 2-1 card.
The Generals, coming off a 70-69 squeaker over the Lyceum Pirates last Saturday, will be led by Marwin Taywan and JP Maguliano.
