College of Saint Benilde played spoiler to season hosts and defending champions San Beda University, escaping with a 77-68 victory in their NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament opener on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Red Lions entered the matchup holding a 4-1 record against the Blazers in Season 101, but Benilde quickly proved that the past would have little bearing on their latest meeting.
Both teams were held scoreless through the first three minutes of the final period before Jimmy Reyes converted an and-one opportunity to put San Beda ahead, 58-57.
CSB responded with a quick 7-2 run to regain the lead, 64-60. Despite a huge triple from Jhomel Ancheta, the Red Lions stayed within striking distance after Lawrence Hawkins converted a layup to cut the deficit to 68-66.
With just over two minutes remaining, Raffy Celis knocked down two free throws to give the Blazers some breathing room, 70-66.
Ancheta then came up huge with 31 ticks left, extending Benilde’s lead with a transition lay-in. RC Calimag answered with a quick jumper, but Celis and Irele Galas sank the final points to ice Benilde’s 77-68 opening victory.
