A losing streak was snapped, while a winning streak came to an end on Monday at the NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament. The Benilde Blazers snapped the Mapua Cardinals’ six-game winning streak, thanks to Ian Torres. Meanwhile, the Perpetual Help Altas’ Mark Gojo Cruz helped his squad end its six-game losing skid with a big win over the Arellano Chiefs.
The Blazers are now in a three-way tie with the San Beda Red Lions and JRU Heavy Bombers in Group A with an identical 7-3 records. Meanwhile, the Altas improved to 3-7 in Group B.
Benilde Escapes Mapua, 71-69
Benilde maintained a narrow advantage throughout the first half, leading 33-30 at the break. The Blazers then created separation in the third quarter, with Ian Torres’ three-pointer and Jhommel Ancheta’s layup giving them a 55-45 advantage heading into the final period.
Justine Sanchez delivered a crucial three-pointer before attacking the basket for a short stab, giving Benilde a 70-66 lead with under 30 seconds left. Cyrus Cuenco kept Mapua alive by sinking three free throws after drawing a foul beyond the arc, cutting the deficit to 70-69.
Ancheta split his free throws on the other end, leaving the Cardinals one final opportunity to steal the victory. Cuenco’s potential game-winning three-pointer missed as time expired, allowing Benilde to escape with the win.
Torres led Benilde with 15 points and 4 assists, while Ancheta and Raffy Celis contributed 14 points apiece.
Cuenco paced Mapua with 21 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals, while Yam Concepcion added 12 points and 7 rebounds.
Perpetual Edges Arellano, 65-58
Perpetual established a 34-23 halftime lead before Arellano fought back in the third quarter. The Chiefs unleashed a 12-3 run to tie the game at 37-all, but the Altas answered with a 10-0 surge to regain control.
The Altas carried a 48-40 advantage into the fourth quarter and stretched their lead to 52-42 early in the period. However, Arellano refused to back down.
Anjord Cabotaje sparked the Chiefs’ comeback with eight consecutive points, helping them cut into the deficit. Ernest Geronimo then took over, scoring back-to-back baskets to tie the game at 58-all with 2:15 remaining.
With the game hanging in the balance, LA Casinillo answered with consecutive baskets to restore Perpetual’s four-point cushion, 62-58, with less than a minute remaining. Mark Gojo Cruz then converted three free throws to seal the victory.
Gojo Cruz led the Altas with 14 points and 5 rebounds, while Casinillo contributed 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
Cabotaje paced Arellano with 16 points, while Geronimo added 12. The victory gave Perpetual its first win in over a month after enduring six consecutive losses, including three overtime defeats.
