SAINT BENILDE ELIMNATES SAN BEDA, ADVANCES TO NCAA SEASON 100 FINALS
College of Saint Benilde delivered a dominant 79-62 performance against defending champions San Beda University, securing the second spot in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament Finals. The game took place on Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
The Blazers have had San Beda’s number all season, sweeping the season series during the elimination rounds. Benilde first defeated the Red Lions 70-62 in round one, then followed up with a 70-65 win in round two.
By knocking out San Beda, Benilde ensured that the NCAA championship would not be claimed by either San Beda or Colegio de San Juan de Letran for the first time in 15 years.
From the opening tip, Benilde wasted no time in asserting control, opening the game with a 23-8 run in the first quarter. Their defense was stifling, preventing San Beda's shooters from finding any rhythm. As a result, the Red Lions found themselves struggling to recover, and Benilde’s lead ballooned to as much as 30 points, 70-40, with just 1:22 left in the third quarter following a three-pointer by Anton Eusebio.
Despite being held to just nine points in the final quarter, Benilde's commanding advantage proved insurmountable, and they cruised to a 79-62 win.
Head coach Charles Tiu emphasized the importance of putting pressure on a championship-caliber team like San Beda right from the start. “We wanted to put some pressure on San Beda. We said for our team it’s no pressure. San Beda is the powerhouse in the NCAA; they’re the defending champs. We just enjoyed playing, and the guys really responded well. Give them all the credit in the world,” shared the third-year head coach.
Allen Liwag led the charge for the Blazers, finishing with 20 points on a blistering 75-percent shooting from the field. Tony Ynot chipped in with 17 points, while Jhomel Ancheta contributed a well-rounded performance with 11 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Benilde now sets its sights on top-ranked Mapúa University in what promises to be an exciting finals showdown. The two teams will face off on Sunday, December 1, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum for Game 1 of the best-of-three championship series.
