MANILA – College of St. Benilde Blazers showed steadiness in the overtime period to defeat San Beda University Red Lions, 70-65, in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Jhomel Ancheta and Allen Liwag took turns on the offensive end in the extension period on Tuesday night as the Blazers surged to solo first place in the standings with a perfect 2-0 win-loss slate.
Ancheta kicked off the extension period with a three-pointer and a layup to give the Blazers a quick five-point lead before it grew to 68-61 with a three-pointer from Winston Ynot.
After conversions from the Red Lions, the Blazers got an inside conversion from Liwag before Justine Sanchez stole the ball from San Beda’s John Bryan Sajonia in the final possession to seal the win.
Ancheta led the Blazers with 14 points, five assists, and two rebounds; Ynot chipped in 13 markers; and Liwag tallied a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds, along with three blocks.
“We basically executed how we wanted to. I like that we did not panic. At the end of the game, basketball gods favored us today as we got some breaks of the game, especially in overtime,” Blazers head coach Charles Tiu said.
Ilonggo Sajonia tallied 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Yukien Andrada and James Payosing contributed 13 and 10 markers, respectively, as the reigning champion Red Lions dropped to 1-1.
Meanwhile, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas opened their campaign under new head coach Olsen Racela with a dominant 82-66 victory over the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers.
John Boral led the way with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds, while rookie Mark Gojo Cruz and Christian Pagaran had 15 and 10 points, respectively, for Perpetual Help.
“I am happy with the win, our first win this season, and my NCAA first win (as a coach), pero it’s part of our growth as a team,” Racela said. “Marami pa kami kailangan gawin, and we’re learning; we’re still adjusting sa isa’t isa and sa system.”/PN
