By: Brenn Allen Flores
Facing his former alma mater, Tony Ynot was unfazed as he led the College of St. Benilde to maintain their undefeated streak in NCAA Season 100.
Ynot delivered a solid performance with 13 points, five assists, and seven rebounds, including a clutch three-pointer in overtime, guiding the Blazers to a 70-65 victory against his former team, San Beda University.
Ynot wasn’t the only former Red Lion in the Blazers’ lineup; Justine Sanchez and Gabby Cometa also contributed to handing the Lions their first loss of the season.
For Ynot, he was prepared for the bitter reception from the San Beda crowd.
“Intense yung laban talaga. Galing din ako diyan, so in-expect ko na yung mga crowd na iba yung sasabihin nila sakin. Tanggap ko naman ‘yon pero naglalaro lang ako for my team ngayon, and binibigay ko yung best ko every time na nasa court ako,” said the 24-year-old out of Tugas, Misamis Occidental.
“Nasanay na ko sa Filoil pa lang, noong preseason. May sinasabi na sila about sakin, tinanggap ko naman kasi mali ko din naman.”
Ynot and Sanchez transferred to the Blazers in February last year after spending their high school careers in San Beda’s red-and-white colors.
Despite the hostility, Ynot remains respectful of his former school and teammates.
“Masaya kasi nga galing ako diyan, pero grabe yung respect ko diyan kasi high school ako galing sa San Beda. Ibinigay ko yung best ko kasi nanalo kami against San Beda,” said the all-arouund 6-foot-1 guard.
“Si Payosing, kapatid ko talaga diyan.”
For Ynot and the Blazers, the journey toward securing their second championship gained momentum with this win against the reigning champions.
“Yung goal namin talaga ay mag-champion. Kailangan naming mag-champion, lalo na’t madami kaming bago. Sa mga rookies, gusto din nila mag-champion. Sana ibigay ni Lord sa amin yung goal na mag-champion,” Ynot added.
