MANILA – The College of St. Benilde (CSB) Blazers snapped out of their early-season inconsistency with a statement win, dismantling the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags, 82-64, in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Playtime FilOil Center in San Juan.
Reigning Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag spearheaded the Blazers’ resurgence with 19 points and seven rebounds, setting the tone for a much-needed bounce-back performance that lifted Benilde to a 4-2 record.
“We talked about wanting to bounce back and finding our confidence because we haven’t been playing good basketball all season long,” said CSB head coach Charles Tiu. “They kind of woke up [today] and got the job done.”
Justine Sanchez added a double-double of 16 points and 10 boards, while Matthew Oli provided 10 points as Benilde dominated the second quarter with a 23-10 burst that broke the game wide open. The Blazers built a 42-24 cushion at halftime and never allowed the Stags to recover, ballooning the lead to 23 points, 66-43, early in the final frame after a triple by Bonn Daja.
For San Sebastian, Jhuniel dela Rama put up a valiant effort with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Tristan Felebrico added 12 markers, but their contributions were not enough to prevent the Stags from falling to a 1-5 slate.
Meanwhile, in the earlier game, the University of Perpetual Help Altas stayed atop Group A after outlasting the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 69-60.
Tied at 60-all in the last two minutes, the Altas unleashed a 9-0 finishing kick led by John Cedric Abis’ inside baskets, a timely triple from John Boral, and clutch free throws from Rey Maglupay to secure their sixth win in seven outings.
Abis paced Perpetual with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Mark Gojo Cruz and Boral contributed 12 and 10, respectively./PN
BOX SCORES
CSB 82 – Liwag 19, Sanchez 16, Oli 10, Morales 9, Gonzaga 6, Torres 4, Umali 3, Gaspay 3, Daja 3, Celis 3, Ynot 2, Moore 2, Cometa 2, Ancheta 0, Galas 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 64 – Dela Rama 20, Felebrico 12, Gabat 9, Ricio 9, Velasco 7, Cuajao 3, Lumanag 2, Nepacena 2, Castor 0, Dimaunahan 0, Segovia 0, Gomez De Liaño 0.
Quarters: 19-14, 42-24, 63-43, 82-64
