The Benilde Blazers shocked the defending champions, San Beda Red Lions, 77-68, in the opening game of the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Both teams started the fourth quarter slowly, holding each other scoreless for the first three minutes until Jimmy Reyes put the Red Lions ahead, 58-57. The Blazers then responded with a 7-2 run to take a four-point lead, 64-60, and never looked back.
Jhomel Ancheta buried a triple, but Lawrence Hawkins continued to give San Beda hope as the Red Lions closed the gap to two, 68-66. Raffy Celis and Ancheta extended the Blazers’ lead to six, 72-66, but RC Calimag answered with a jumper to make it 72-68.
Benilde Closer Doors on San Beda
Celis and Irele Galas then took over for Benilde in the closing minutes, making sure the Blazers secured the opening win of the season, 77-68.
“I think we were a bit fortunate that San Beda rimmed out a couple of shots—they had great looks. Guys made shots, Jhomel made his shots, Matt made his free throws; sometimes, that’s what happens,” said CSB head coach Paolo Layug.
Ancheta led the Blazers with 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, while rookie Matt Jucom added 18 points. Galas and Celis contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively.
For the Red Lions, Aldous Torculas recorded 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in his first game for San Beda after transferring from the University of the Philippines.
The Blazers will next face the Lyceum Pirates on Thursday, September 17, at 5:00 p.m. at the Filoil Center in San Juan. Earlier that day at 3:00 p.m., the Red Lions will face the JRU Heavy Bombers.
