MANILA, Philippines – The College of St. Benilde scrapped out an early statement win in its National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 title bid, edging fellow contender San Beda University in an overtime thriller, 70-65, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Tuesday, September 10.
Jhomel Ancheta donned the hero cape in just his second college game with 14 points, 8 coming by way of a tie-clinching three-pointer at the end of regulation plus 5 more in the extra period, giving the Blazers just enough to sneak past the Red Lions and take an early standings lead at 2-0.
Tony Ynot made the most of his first game against his former teammates, scattering 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in 33 minutes, while star big man Allen Liwag churned out a big 12-point, 14-board double-double with 3 blocks in 39 minutes.
Bryan Sajonia paced San Beda’s descent down a 1-1 standings slate with 19 points, considerably slowing down in the second half after lighting up the first with 15. Yukien Andrada added 13 points, 5 boards, and 2 swats, as reigning Finals MVP James Payosing scored 10 with 9 rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Perpetual Altas gifted new head coach Olsen Racela a fitting NCAA welcome after drubbing the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 82-66.
John Boral excelled in just 22 minutes on the floor with a 17-point, 10-board double-double, while Mark Gojo Cruz was a +22 in 23 minutes off a healthy line of 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.
Joshua Guiab led the losing effort with 15 points, 9-of-13 coming from the line, backstopped by a 10-point outing from Mart Barrera. – Rappler.com