YNOT SHINES IN RETURN AS BENILDE SECURES PLAYOFF SPOT

Tony Ynot made a triumphant return from injury, delivering clutch plays to lead the College of Saint Benilde past Emilio Aguinaldo College, securing a Final Four playoff spot in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball tournament with a 68-64 win on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

After missing games since October 1, Ynot marked his comeback with a powerful performance, scoring 14 points, including six crucial points in the final quarter, and adding four rebounds and four assists. His timely three-pointer midway through the fourth quarter shifted the lead to Benilde, 62-61, putting them in control after trailing 61-59.

Wilmar Oftana’s free throw then tied the game, setting up Allen Liwag’s three-point play that extended the Blazers’ lead to three with two minutes left. Ynot added a layup soon after, widening the gap, though Gil Quinal hit a three-pointer to keep EAC within reach. With just over 30 seconds remaining, Oftana attempted a tying three-pointer for EAC but missed, allowing Benilde to claim the win and secure their playoff position.

The victory boosted Benilde’s record to 11-2, placing them atop the standings, while EAC’s hopes for a playoff berth took a hit, as they fell to a 6-7 record. Liwag, facing his former team, led Benilde with 15 points on an impressive 71.4% shooting and grabbed nine rebounds.

“Siyempre sobrang motivated talaga ako ng doble-doble, kasi sobrang excited ako makalaro yung mga dati kong teammates,” Liwag shared about his performance. 

“Sobrang natuwa lang din ako sa naging improvement nila kasi ang layo na nila doon sa dati, and grabe nakakatuwa lang talaga makalaro sila ulit sa court,” he added.

The Blazers are set to play the University of Perpetual Help System-Dalta next on Wednesday, October 30, at 2:30 p.m.