San Sebastian College banked on a third-quarter scoring binge to bring down Jose Rizal University, 85-73, at Mall of Asia Arena Friday to stay in the title hunt in the NCAA men's basketball.

The Stags put away the Heavy Bombers thanks to a 30-11 run in the third to erect a 71-45 lead, which they never relinquished.

It was the second straight knockout win by San Sebastian after it survived Letran, 74-69, Tuesday.

The Stags take on the San Beda College Red Lions next, a game set at MoA Arena on November 7.

RK Ilagan fired 21 points, thrice his average output entering the game, while Michael Calisaan and Allyn Bulanadi chipped in 13 apiece.

In juniors’ action, Mapua relied on Will Gozum’s clutch performance as the Red Robins edged Letran, 82-80, to clinch a return trip to the best-of-3 finals that begin November 10.

BOX SCORES:

SAN SEBASTIAN 85 – Ilagan 21, Calisaan 13, Bulanadi 13, David 10, Calma 9, Gayosa 7, Costelo 5, Navarro 3, Baetiong 2, Mercado 2, Capobres 0, Valdez 0

JRU 73 – Mendoza 20, Teodoro 12, Dela Virgen 11, Grospe 11, Poutouochi 8, Abdul Razak 6, Sawat 3, Lasquety 2, Bordon 0
QUARTER SCORES: 12-15, 41-34, 71-45, 85-73

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