The Benilde Blazers overcame a late scare from the San Sebastian Golden Stags to keep them winless, 73-66, in the NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
After playing catch-up throughout the first half, the Blazers unleashed a 15-5 run in the third quarter to take the lead for the first time, 44-43. The Stags responded, however, answering each Benilde basket to regain a three-point lead, 54-51, heading into the final quarter.
Josh Cajucom put the Blazers back on top, 59-58, early in the fourth, but Christian Ricio responded to restore San Sebastian’s lead at 63-59.
Benilde then turned the game around with a 10-0 run to take a 69-63 advantage.
Benilde Survives San Sebastian Down the Stretch
Kent Bacani answered with an and-one play to cut the deficit to three, 69-66, but Ian Torres delivered the knockout blow with a booming triple to extend the Blazers’ lead to six, 72-66, with 24 seconds remaining.
“You have to give credit to San Sebastian. They played really well, even in the half-court because we were expecting them to be trying to run and run, which they did, but they executed quite well in the half-court, so I have to give credit for that,” said Benilde head coach Paolo Layug.
He continued, “But I also think our defense was not on point during the first half. We kinda turned it around in the third a little bit, and then in the fourth quarter, thankfully, we were able to get some stops.”
Cajucom led the Blazers with 20 points and 5 rebounds, while Jhomel Ancheta added 14 points and 3 assists. Sanchez posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Torres finished with 10 points.
For the Stags, Ricio led the team with 15 points and 3 rebounds, while Bacani contributed 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Ralph Gabat added 12 points.
The Blazers will next face the Arellano Chiefs on Friday, October 9, at 5:00 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Earlier that day at 3:00 p.m., the Stags will face the JRU Heavy Bombers.
