The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Blazers edged out the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers to improve their win-loss record to 3-1 in the FilOil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup on May 28 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
It was the Tony Ynot show to begin the ball game, as the Misamis Occidental native penciled in eight early points after nailing back-to-back threes, and converting a layup to open up the scoring for the Taft squad. Despite a tight contest between both squads in the early minutes of the first quarter, the Blazers clinged on to the momentum, immediately stacking up the scoreboard to build up an early double digit lead to end the period, 28-15.
After a scorching start from Ynot and the rest of the Blazers, Allen Liwag made sure to put on his own show. Liwag muscled his way through the JRU defense, and was an unstoppable force underneath the basket, giving the Heavy Bombers’ another set of problems. Despite being down double digits, Shawn Argente and Joshua Guiab kept the men in blue and gold afloat, as both never took their foot off the gas, cutting the deficit to single digits to end the half, 48-39.
To kick off the second half, Ynot continued to fire down from all corners, after nailing a series of tough layups and jumpshots, to pile up points for the Blazers, 60-48. After the quick time out, the Heavy Bombers slowly fought their way back, trimming down the Blazers’ lead to just six, 62-56. The Heavy Bombers ultimately found their way back into the game to end the period, capitalizing on the penalty-ladened Blazers, 65-60.
The payoff period saw a more aggressive Taft squad. Ynot flared up down the stretch, while the backcourt duo of Jhomel Ancheta and Joshua Cajucom hounded the defense of the Blazers. Liwag and incoming Benilde rookie Anton Eusebio made sure to add the finishing touches, as the men in green and white closed out the ball game, 86-80.
Ynot was named player of the game after dropping 24 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals, while shooting 50% from downtown.
The Benilde Blazers look to extend their win streak as they are set to face the Arellano University (AU) Chiefs on May 31 at the same venue with live coverage at the FilOil EcoOil Sports Facebook and YouTube pages.
Quarter scores: 28-15, 48-39, 65-60, 86-80
