College of St. Benilde leaned on its bench to overcome a stubborn San Sebastian College, 91-85, on Sunday at the Filoil Ecooil Centre, solidifying their grip on the No. 1 spot in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament.
The win boosted the Blazers to their eighth triumph in 10 games, putting them a full game ahead of San Beda and Mapua, both with 7-3 records.
Allen Liwag led the Blazers with 19 points, but it was the bench that provided the spark. Ian Torres scored 13 points, and Gab Cometa added nine, including three key triples, all off the bench.
Matthew Oli also stepped up with 12 points, helping fill the gap left by veteran Tony Ynot, who was still recovering from a left ankle injury sustained less than a week ago.
“Our bench stepped up today; a lot of them delivered,” said Blazers coach Charles Tiu.
San Sebastian fought valiantly, but the Blazers’ depth proved too much. With the loss, the Stags dropped to 2-8.
Earlier, University of Perpetual Help found its footing with a strong start and never looked back, defeating Letran 71-61 to snap their four-game losing streak.
The win marked the Altas’ fifth in 11 games, keeping them in the hunt for a Final Four berth.
The Altas’ four-game skid began with an 82-73 triple-overtime defeat to Letran in the first round last September 28, making this victory all the more satisfying.
“Sa Letran nagsimula ang four-game losing streak namin. Sana sa Letran din magsimula ang winning streak,” said a relieved Altas coach Olsen Racela.
Christian Pagaran came off the bench to lead all scorers with 19 points, while Mark Gojo Cruz chipped in 15.
The Knights, led by Jimboy Estrada’s 14 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, couldn’t close the gap.
Estrada was ejected late in the game after receiving his second technical foul, disqualifying him from individual awards due to his misstep.
The Knights dropped to their second consecutive loss and now stand at 6-4.
The Scores:
First Game
Perpetual Help 71 – Pagaran 19, Gojo Cruz 15, Abis 8, Orgo 8, Pizarro 6, Boral 5, Manuel 4, Montemayor 3, Gelsano 2, Nuñez 1
Letran 61 – Estrada 14, Montecillo 11, Santos 10, Cuajao 8, Monje 7, Javillonar 4, Delfino 3, Nunag 2, Go 2, Miller 0, Baliling 0, Tagotongan 0
Quarterscores: 22-13, 41-31, 59-48, 71-61
Second Game
Saint Benilde 91 – Liwag 18, Torres 13, Oli 12, Sanchez 9, Ancheta 9, Jarque 9, Cometa 6, Sangco 5, Ondoa 5, Cajucom 3, Morales 2, Eusebio 0, Arciaga 0, Galas 0
San Sebastian 85 – Are 29, L. Gabat 21, Felebrico 12, Aguilar 6, R. Gabat 6, Suico 5, Ricio 4, Escobido 2, Pascual 0, Barroga 0
Quarterscores: 23-21, 42-38, 68-65, 91-85
