College of Saint Benilde built a sizable lead in the first three quarters, holding on just enough to secure a 61-56 victory over University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil Ecooil Centre in San Juan City.
This marked the Blazers’ sixth straight win, bringing their record to 12-2.
Benilde held a comfortable 51-34 advantage heading into the final frame, but struggled to close out the game as Perpetual mounted a fierce comeback.
The Blazers managed only 10 points in the fourth quarter, shooting 4-of-15 from the field while their defense faltered, allowing Cris Pagaran to score 11 of his 18 points in the final stretch.
Fortunately for the Blazers, time ran out on the Altas’ rally.
Blazers head coach Charles Tiu expressed disappointment with his team’s inability to finish strong, noting that this has been an ongoing issue.
“We haven’t been closing out games well the last two outings, and it’s something we definitely need to fix. I’m not satisfied with how we’re ending games,” Tiu said.
Despite the near-collapse, Justine Sanchez was a bright spot for the Blazers.
Sanchez, who struggled in the previous game against Emilio Aguinaldo College, bounced back with a game-high 16 points and six rebounds.
“Balikan natin yung last game, sa sobrang sama ng gabi ko, inisip ko ng maigi yung game na ito. Sinabi ko sa sarili ko na mas masarap magbakasyon ng panalo. So ayun, nadala ko yun dito,” shared the former San Beda Red Lion, who only scored three points against the Generals.
Allen Liwag also contributed with 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting and six rebounds, as the Final Four-bound Blazers inch closer to securing the first twice-to-beat advantage.
They can clinch this playoff incentive with a win over the Letran Knights on Friday.
Perpetual, meanwhile, slipped to 6-9 and is now 1.5 games behind fourth-running EAC.
Rookie Mark Gojo Cruz provided support with 15 points and eight rebounds, as the Altas will aim to regroup when they face Mapua on Wednesday.
The Scores:
St. Benilde 61 – Sanchez 16, Liwag 10, Torres 6, Sangco 5, Oli 5, Cometa 5, Turco 5, Ynot 4, Eusebio 2, Jarque 2, Ondoa 1, Ancheta 0, Morales 0, Cajucom 0
Perpetual Help 56 – Pagaran 18, Gojo Cruz 15, Boral 5, Manuel 5, Abis 4, Pizarro 3, Movida 2, Nuñez 2, Gelsao 2, Thompson 0, Montemayor 0
Quarterscores: 20-12, 38-22, 51-34, 61-56
