San Sebastian went to its veterans when some of its bench players failed to deliver as it turned back a pesky Emilio Aguinaldo, 87-73, yesterday to seize a share of the lead with Jose Rizal in the 85th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City. Although Calvin Abueva and Pamboy Raymundo led the team with 17 and 16 points, it was leader Jimbo Aquino who saved the day for the Stags by draining eight of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to seal their fourth win in row.

San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin later on admitted he really intentionally used his second and third stringers to get some experience that would benefit them going into tougher games. “Without belittling EAC, I really intended to experiment with my new guys,” said Agustin, who used a total of 15 players or four or five more than he usually does in their first three outings. “I’m glad my veteran guys made the big plays in the end,” added the former PBA MVP.

Still fresh from an eight-day break, the Stags came into the game with a lot of energy and after a series of blistering runs, they erected a 45-29 lead that they nurtured to go into the break still comfortably ahead, 49-37. And the experiment began. Agustin, knowing that its going to be a long season ahead, dug deep into his bench and sent in seldom-used players hoping they could hold the forth until the final canto. It backfired as the Generals, itching to notch their first win in the league after dropping their first three outings, unloaded a mighty run that saw them inching closer at 60-63 at the end of the third canto.

Back-to-back triples by Raymond Maconocido and Ronald Pascual lit a run that Aquino presided with an eight-point barrage to blow the game out of reach. EAC, led by Argel Mendoza’s 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds and four steals, fell to its fourth straight defeat. In juniors’ action, San Beda slammed Perpetual Help, 102-87, to seize the lead with a spotless 4-0 (win-loss) slate. Four-peat champion San Sebastian smashed EAC, 117-59, for its third win in four tries.

Three-peat champion San Beda completed a day of blowouts by smashing Perpetual Help, 98-65, to remain at third spot with a 4-1 (win-loss)
record. The Altas fell to their fourth setback against a win.