Prior to the 93rd Season of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, head coach Egay Macaraya called Jayson David his secret weapon.

David was unleashed on Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre, pounding in 24 points and serving as head of the San Sebastian College-Recoletos hammer that demolished Mapua University, 97-70.

The versatile forward got all but four of his output inside the paint, powering his team to a much-needed win that raises its record to 8-9 – still alive and kicking in the playoff hunt.

“Every game naman, Jayson is there. Siya ang pinaka-consistent sa amin,” Macaraya said of the player who showed the way in stopping their three-game skid.

The rest of his teammates followed his lead and, as a team, Baste bullied its opponents, 48-8, in inside points.

It was also David who joined forces with Alfren Gayosa for 18 points in the 31-point first quarter that granted them both the lead and the momentum they would keep until the final buzzer.

Gayosa wound up with 18 points while Alvin Capobres also added 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for San Sebastian which just sent out a statement that it will still go all out for the fourth and final playoff berth.

“Hopefully, everyone will continue playing like this,” Macaraya said.

San Sebastian finds itself on even ground with Arellano University for fifth spot; just a hair ahead of them is Colegio de San Juan de Letran at 8-8.

Of the three teams, the Chiefs have the easiest final assignment up against the lowly Cardinals. The Golden Stags will take on still dangerous University of Perpetual Help last while the Knights still have confident College of St. Benilde on their schedule. (Editor's note: The Knights lost to the San Beda Red Lions later Friday afternoon.)

“Kailangan namin yung panalo na yun. Buti, malaking bagay sa confidence ng players ‘to,” Macaraya said.

For Mapua, Cedric Pelayo topped the scoring column with 16 points.

After back-to-back wins, they are back at the bottom of the standings with a 3-13 slate.

BOX SCORES

SAN SEBASTIAN 97 – David 24, Gayosa 18, Capobres 17, Calisaan 9, Ilagan 9, Calma 6, Costelo 5, Mercado 4, Bulanadi 3, Baetiong 2, Valdez 0, Navarro 0

MAPUA 70 – Pelayo 16, Orquina 15, Bunag 13, Estrella 12, Victoria 7, Jimenez 5, Raflores 2, Aguirre 0

QUARTER SCORES: 31-20, 46-34, 69-52, 97-70

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