College of Saint Benilde ended San Beda University’s title defense with a dominant 79-62 victory, securing the second spot in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament Finals on Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
The Blazers had the Red Lions’ number all season, sweeping the season series in the elimination rounds with a 70-62 win in the first round, followed by a 70-65 victory in round two.
By eliminating San Beda, Benilde ensured that for the first time in 15 years, the NCAA championship would not go to either San Beda or Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Benilde wasted no time asserting control, opening the game with a 23-8 run in the first quarter and setting the tone early.
The Blazers’ defense smothered the Red Lions, preventing their shooters from finding any rhythm.
As a result, San Beda struggled to recover from the early blows, and Benilde’s lead grew as large as 30 points, 70-40, with 1:22 left in the third quarter after a three-pointer from Anton Eusebio.
Despite being held to just nine points in the final frame, Benilde’s commanding lead remained insurmountable, and they cruised to a 79-62 victory.
Head coach Charles Tiu emphasized the importance of starting strong against a championship-caliber team like San Beda, putting pressure on them from the get-go.
“We wanted to put some pressure on San Beda. We said for our team it’s no pressure. San Beda is the powerhouse in the NCAA; they’re the defending champs. We just enjoyed playing, and the guys really responded well. Give them all the credit in the world,” shared the third-year head coach.
Allen Liwag led the Blazers with 20 points, shooting a highly efficient 75-percent from the field. Tony Ynot added 17 points, while Jhomel Ancheta contributed an all-around game with 11 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Benilde now turns its attention to the top-ranked Mapúa University in a battle between the two runner-ups from the past two NCAA seasons. The two teams will clash on Sunday, December 1, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum for Game 1 of the best-of-three championship round.
For San Beda, the three-point shot that had been a staple all season long faltered when it mattered most, as they made just two of their 26 attempts from beyond the arc for a dismal 7-percent shooting.
Aaron Royo was one of the few Bedans who found success offensively, scoring 14 points off the bench. As the lead guard, Penny Estacio added 10 points, including the only two three-pointers San Beda made.
San Beda’s title defense fell short, ending its season on a four-game losing streak after a tough finish to the second round. The Red Lions will now face Lyceum in the battle for third place.
The Scores
Saint Benilde 79 – Liwag 20, Ynot 17, Ancheta 11, Sanchez 9, Cometa 5, Turco 4, Sangco 3, Oli 3, Eusebio 3, Torres 2, Ondoa 2, Cajucom 0, Morales 0, Serrano 0, Jarque 0
San Beda 63 – Royo 14, Estacio 10, Andrada 7, Sajonia 6, RC Calimag 6, Bonzalida 5, Lina 4, Payosing 4, Tagle 3, Gonzales 2, Songcuya 2, Celzo 0, Tagala 0, Jalbuena 0, Richi Calimag 0
Quarterscores: 25-14, 53-27, 70-42, 79-63
