MANILA – College of St. Benilde Blazers ended San Beda University Red Lions’ reign with a 79-63 rout in the semifinals of NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Allen Liwag led the way with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Winston Ynot and Jhomel Ancheta contributed 17 and 11 markers, respectively, for the Blazers.
The Blazers, which reached the NCAA Finals for the second time in the last three seasons, will eye their first championship since the Season 76 in year 2000.
CSB made their presence felt early with a 25-14 first quarter lead before pulling away from second quarter onwards as the lead reached its largest at 30 points.
Aaron Royo finished with 14 points, four rebounds, and three steals, while Penny Estacio added 10 markers for the dethroned champions Red Lions.
Meanwhile, Mapua University Cardinals made a return trip to the NCAA Finals after an 89-79 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates.
Clint Escamis finished with 33 points, including five three-pointers, to go with four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block as the top-seed Cardinals finished off the Pirates in just one game.
Rookie Chris Hubilla added 17 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and one assist, while JC Recto ended with 10 markers and five boards for the Cardinals.
This is the Cardinals’ third NCAA finals appearance in the last four seasons and they will now aim for their first championship since 1991, where they defeated the Red Lions to complete back-to-back titles.
John Bravo finished with 20 points to lead the Pirates, Ato Barba added 14 markers, while Renz Villegas and McLaude Guadana ended with 12 points each for the Pirates./PN
