The Benilde Blazers extended their winning streak to four games after defeating the Arellano Chiefs, 94-82, in the NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Arellano kept pace with Benilde in the first half, building an eight-point lead at 40-32 before the Blazers cut the deficit to six, 42-48, heading into halftime.
Benilde Seizes Control in the Second Half
The Blazers finally took control in the third quarter after Zenric Jarque sank two free throws to put them ahead, 54-53. Benilde then held on to a three-point lead, 73-70, entering the final period.
Benilde pulled away in the fourth quarter, with Jhomel Ancheta drilling a deep three-pointer to give the Blazers an 86-72 lead with 4:36 remaining, en route to the win.
“Actually the last 4-5 games in a row we were down in the halftime. So I told them ‘you know what to do, you just have to clean up our mistakes,’ and I think the boys responded well in the halftime,” said Benilde head coach Pao Layug.
Ancheta Leads the Way
Ancheta led the Blazers with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Justin Sanchez added 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Basti Valencia led the Chiefs with 17 points and 3 rebounds, while T-Mc Ongotan added 14 points and 4 assists.
Benilde will look to extend its winning streak to five games when it faces the EAC Generals on Thursday, October 15, at 3:00 p.m. at the FilOil Centre. Arellano, meanwhile, will seek to snap its losing streak against the San Beda Red Lions on Tuesday, October 13, at 5:00 p.m. at the FilOil Centre.
