BALLESTEROS LIFTS SSC PAST LETRAN

By Joey Villar (Philippine Star, Sports – August 21, 2008)

San Sebastian drew strength in beanpole Jason Ballesteros in the stretch as it humbled Letran, 76-73, yesterday to turn the Final Four race a little more interesting in the 84th NCAA basketball tournament at the Astrodome.

The 6-foot-7 Ballesteros provided the defense the whole game and then went to his offense by scoring nine of his 11 points in the fourth quarter to give the Stags their sixth straight win and seventh overall in 11 outings.

“He loves to block shots, rebound and play defense. But he can score points like that if the opportunity presents itself,” said San Sebastian coach Jorge Gallent of his 22-year-old center, who finished with 14 rebounds and three blocks.

San Sebastian is just half a game behind back-to-back champion San Beda and Letran, which sports a 7-3 slate, and a game-and-a-half behind Jose Rizal, which has an 8-2 record.

“Now that we’re here, we might as well dream big and shoot for the No. 1 seed,” said Gallent, owner of a rare-five-peat feat with Harbour Centre in the PBL.

Earlier, St. Benilde unleashed a huge second half assault to pull the rug from under Mapua, 66-56, and keep its flickering Final Four hopes alive.

“It’s a relief after some frustrating losses,” said St. Benilde mentor Gee Abanilla.

It was the Cardinals’ fifth loss against the same number of triumphs. Jim Viray, a PBL veteran like Ballesteros, kept San Sebastian’s head above water as he buried five booming triples to lead all scorers with 22 points.

RJ Jazul appeared on the verge of bouncing back from a forgettable performance in a loss to Jose Rizal last week and sizzled with 11 of his 13 points in the first half.

The Scores:

Quarter Scores   18-12;  36-35,  54-53,  76-73

TEAM STANDINGS (as of August 21, 2008)