College of Saint Benilde’s journey to the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament received a significant boost after clinching the 2024 Pinoyliga Big Dance title.
The Strong Group-backed Blazers secured a convincing 94-80 victory against the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates in the tournament final on Monday at Amoranto Arena in Quezon City.
This victory came in a highly competitive knockout tournament featuring 28 top colleges and universities across the country, with Adamson University being the sole representative from the UAAP.
Allen Liwag led the Blazers to triumph with an outstanding performance, finishing with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
Former San Beda Red Lions Justine Sanchez and Gab Cometa contributed 12 and 13 points, respectively.
Joshua Cajucom added 13 points, while Ian Torres chipped in 10 points, rounding out the team’s double-digit scorers.
From the start, St. Benilde dominated the game, jumping to a 32-19 lead in the first quarter and never relinquishing control.
Notably, Tony Ynot did not play in the match.
The Blazers’ road to the title was hard-earned, defeating St. Clare in the Round of 16 (77-53), routing Our Lady of Fatima in the quarterfinals (91-60), and overcoming Adamson University in the semifinals, 70-64.
Despite the loss, the Pirates displayed resilience throughout the tournament.
Lyceum fought through the first round, defeating the Olivarez Sealions, the San Beda Red Lions, the EAC Generals, and the JRU Heavy Bombers to reach the finals.
John Barba led the Pirates with 17 points, while Gyle Montano and JM Bravo added 15 and 13 points, respectively.
The NCAA Season 100 tournament kicks off on September 7 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
