By: Brenn Allen Flores
Jhomel Ancheta’s return was instrumental for College of Saint Benilde as they survived an overtime match against San Sebastian College-Recoletos, securing a 96-94 victory and remaining at the helm in the NCAA Season 100 Senior Basketball Tournament on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
After serving a one-game suspension for hitting Letran’s Paolo Javillonar, Ancheta made a crucial contribution with the game-winning layup – his only field goal of the game.
He also tallied five points and three assists.
The contest was decided in the final minute when Benilde’s Justine Sanchez scored inside to tie the game at 94-all.
After Reymart Escobido missed a go-ahead three-pointer, Ancheta pushed the ball into Benilde’s half. He dribbled past Tristan Felebrico for the eventual game-winning layup, making it 96-94.
In the final moments, Escobido found himself open in the corner but missed a potential game-winning triple, failing to end San Sebastian’s losing streak.
Despite the victory, Benilde struggled with 31 turnovers, allowing San Sebastian to capitalize with 33 points off those mistakes.
“Maybe the worst win in my life. I don’t want to say anything because I’m mad. That’s an embarrassment. We’re a joke right now,” Blazers head coach Charles Tiu said postgame.
“You give up 31 turnovers – parang binibigay namin sa kanila yung bola eh.”
Tiu added, “It’s one of the worst games for us. To be playing like this is like high school – actually parang grade school kung nga kami magdating na yun. We really have to do better.”
The win keeps Benilde at the pole with a 5-1 record, while the Golden Stags suffer their fifth consecutive loss in the tournament after winning their first two games.
Benilde started strong, leading 58-37 at halftime and holding a 78-61 advantage after the third quarter. However, the Golden Stags mounted a comeback in the fourth, capitalizing on 18 Benilde turnovers to fuel an 18-3 run.
That let them tie the game at 87-all with 23 seconds left.
San Sebastian had two chances to win the game in regulation, but Ameer Aguilar and Escobido both failed to convert.
Tony Ynot led the Blazers with 28 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds, shooting 61.5 percent from the field. Allen Liwag contributed a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Benilde will aim to extend their unbeaten streak against Arellano University on Friday, October 4, at 12:00 PM.
“I’m just not happy with how we played. How long do we have to remember this? We need to practice hard and kill them tomorrow probably. No breaks. Malakas ang Arellano,” Tiu added.
Escobido paced the Golden Stags with 29 points, three assists, and four rebounds despite missing three potential game-winning shots.
Are added 20 points, three assists, and a game-high seven steals, while Reggz Gabat contributed 12 points and seven boards.
San Sebastian will look to end its five-game losing skid as they face Emilio Aguinaldo College on Sunday, October 6, at 2:30 PM.
The Scores:
Saint Benilde – Ynot 23, Liwag 17, Sanchez 8, Torres 8, Eusebio 7, Turco 6, Morales 6, Ancheta 5, Cometa 4, Ondoa 4, Cajucom 3, Jarque 3, Sangco 2, Oli 0
San Sebastian 94 – Escobido 29, Are 20, R. Gabat 12, Felebrico 9, Aguilar 9, L. Gabat 4, Ricio 3, Barroga 2, Velasco 2, Suico 2, Lintol 2, Pascual 0, Cruz 0
Quarterscores: 31-20, 58-37, 78-61, 87-87, 96-94
