Shawn Umali bulldozed his way inside, powering College of Saint Benilde to a 76-66 win over Jose Rizal University and keeping their hopes alive for a twice-to-beat advantage in the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Playoffs on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Umali, a burly forward in his final year, delivered his best performance in a Blazers jersey, finishing with 28 points on 11-of-16 shooting, 12 rebounds, and three blocks.
“I think we prepared more defensively. We were surprised that they didn’t go zone, so we took advantage and went to Shawn. He came to play today. He showed bully ball and showed why he is PBA material in the future,” said Tiu about the former Lyceum Pirate.
The win was crucial for the Blazers, who improved to 8-4 — just half a game behind Group B leaders San Beda Red Lions and a full game ahead of the Letran Knights in the race for the quarterfinals incentive.
Benilde still faces EAC on Friday to close out the group phase, while San Beda and Letran will square off on the 23rd.
“This game means a little bit more for us than them because we want that twice-to-beat advantage,” Tiu added.
Trailing by just one point heading into the final frame, the Blazers went on a decisive 10-0 run, with baskets from Mowell Morales, Umali, Justine Sanchez, and Jhommel Ancheta, taking control of the game.
Late baskets from Umali and Sanchez, combined with a huge defensive stand in the endgame, sealed the win.
“I’m happy with our defense except in the first quarter, and we took care of the ball for once this season,” quipped Tiu.
Supporting Umali were the backcourt duo of Tony Ynot and Ancheta, with Ynot finishing with 13 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, while Ancheta added 11 points and six boards.
JRU, which fell to fourth in the group with a 6-7 record, will figure in the play-in against EAC. Shawn Argente was the lone double-digit scorer for the Heavy Bombers with 14 points.
The Scores:
Saint Benilde 76 – Umali 28, Ynot 13, Ancheta 11, Celis 7, Sanchez 6, Morales 4, Oli 3, Gaspay 2, Eusebio 2, Torres 0, Cometa 0, Cajucom 0, Moore 0, Galas 0
Jose Rizal 66 – Argente 14, Panapanaan 8, Laurenaria 8, Castillo 6, Garupil 6, Benitez 6, Salvador 5, Sarmiento 3, Lozano 2, Duque 2, Peñaverde 2, Herrera 2, Esguerra 2
Quarterscores: 15-21, 35-38, 59-58, 76-66
