The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers conquered the San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions in overtime, 70-65, to kickstart a win streak in the NCAA Season 100, today, Sept. 10, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Blazers started off hot to open the ball game after an early 7-0 run headed by Tony Ynot and team captain Mark Sangco. The Red Lions would answer back after baskets from Nygel Gonzales and Yukien Andrada. Benilde rookie Matthew Oli kept the momentum alive for the Taft squad, sinking back-to-back layups and extending the Blazers' lead to close the quarter at 19-11.
It was a Brian Sajonia show in the first half of the second quarter, as he went on a personal 7-0 run and equalized what was once an eight-point lead by the Blazers, 21-21. The Blazers struggled to get past the San Beda defense but found their groove in the latter part of the period, making the rest of the period a close battle between both squads, with the Red Lions taking the lead to end the half, 32-33.
After the Sajonia downpour in the second period, Jhomel Ancheta made sure to keep the Blazers within striking distance, igniting a quick 9-0 run to open the third canto. This gave back the lead to the Taft squad, 41-33. The Red Lions would remain scoreless for more than four minutes, not until Sajonia stopped the bleeding with a tough basket. The Blazers would rely on their defense to protect their lead, 52-47.
With all the momentum on the Blazers' side, the Red Lions remained unfazed and slowly clawed their way back, capitalizing on the missed shots and errors of the Taft squad. Sajonia continued his stellar play, despite struggling for most of the second half, bringing San Beda back and cutting their deficit to one, 57-56. The final minute of the period saw clutch shots by both Ancheta who nailed a three, to bring the Blazers up two, 60-58. Meanwhile, San Beda team captain Andrada tied things up with a floater, 60-60, to end the regulation and force an overtime.
Deadlocked at 60-all, it was all Benilde in the extra minutes. The backcourt duo of Ancheta and Ynot steered the offense of the Taft squad, while Liwag manned the defensive front line, eventually resulting in a thrilling win against the defending champions, 70-65.
Ancheta was named player of the game after dropping 14 points and 5 assists. Ynot and Liwag also figured in double digits, scoring 13 and 12 points respectively.
The Blazers will face the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals on Sept. 14 at the same venue with live telecast on the NCAA Facebook and Youtube page.
Box Scores:
DLS-CSB (70): Ancheta 14, Ynot 13, Liwag 12, Sangco 7, Cometa 6, Oli 5, Torres 4, Morales 4, Sanchez 3, Eusebio 2, Cajucom 0, Turco 0
SBU (65): Sajonia 19, Andrada 13, Payosing 10, Puno 7, Gonzales 6, Calimag 5, Celzo 3, Songouya 2, Bonzalida 0, Estacio 0, Jalbuena 0, Tagle 0, Royo 0
