College of St. Benilde created a three-way logjam atop Group A of the NCAA Season 102 Seniors’ Basketball Tournament after surviving a late rally from Lyceum of the Philippines University, 107-103, on Friday at the San Andres Sports Complex.
The Blazers improved to an 8-3 record, tying San Beda University and Jose Rizal University for the top spot in the group as the race for the top seed heats up heading into the final stretch of the elimination round.
Benilde still has two crucial assignments remaining, facing the Heavy Bombers on November 6 and the Red Lions on November 10 to close out its elimination round campaign.
Mowell Morales delivered 18 points, five rebounds, and a steal, recognizing the importance of the hard-fought victory with the standings tightening among the leading teams.
“‘Yung tumatakbo lang sa isip ko is, ‘di kami puwedeng matalo sa game na ‘to. Sa standings, dikit-dikit,” he said. “Inisip ko’ng kailangan ko bumalik at mag-contribute kasi isa ako sa mga beterano dito.”
Benilde appeared poised for a comfortable victory after building a lead of as many as 23 points, but Lyceum refused to go down without a fight.
The Pirates mounted a late rally in the fourth quarter, trimming the deficit to just six points, 99-93, and threatening to steal the game away from the Blazers.
Matthew Jucom, however, answered the challenge with a timely triple that restored Benilde’s nine-point cushion, 102-93, with 1:16 remaining.
Lyceum continued to battle, with Renz Villegas converting three free throws to keep the Pirates within striking distance.
Ian Torres then delivered the decisive blow, knocking down a three-pointer to put Benilde ahead for good, 105-96, with 49 seconds left.
Jucom led the Blazers with 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals, providing a steady offensive presence in the crucial win.
SJ Moore added 18 points, while Jhommel Ancheta chipped in 17 as Benilde held off Lyceum’s late push to secure its eighth victory of the season.
Matthew Rubico poured in 28 points for the Pirates, while Villegas contributed 26. However, their efforts went unrewarded as Lyceum fell to a 4-7 record.
The Blazers will look to maintain their position atop the logjam when they face JRU on November 6 before closing out their elimination round campaign against San Beda on November 10.
Lyceum, meanwhile, will next face San Beda on November 5.
The Scores:
Saint Benilde 107 – Jucom 23, Morales 18, Moore 18, Ancheta 17, Sanchez 9, Gonzaga 8, Celis 4, Torres 4, Daja 2, Galas 2, Cajucom 2, Podador 0, Lorenzo 0
Lyceum 103 – Rubico 28, Villegas 26, Guadana 15, Aurigue 11, Penafiel 8, Daileg 7, Matienzo 4, Manuel 3, Nocum 2, Gordon 0, Cardinas 0, Pallingayan 0, Panelo 0, Almario 0, Fuentes 0
Quarterscores: 35-19, 67-51, 87-71, 107-103
