The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers toppled the Mapua University (MU) Cardinals, 78-65, to open up their NCAA Season 100 campaign with a win today, Sept. 7, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The game was greeted by a showdown of stars, as the NCAA Season 99 MVP Clint Escamis paved the way for the Cardinals, while Benilde’s newcomers Justine Sanchez and Allen Liwag steered the wheel for the Blazers early in the ball game. Midway through the period, the men in red and gold went on a hot run, building a slight cushion lead to end the period, 14-21.
Determined to establish themselves, the Blazers made sure to bounce back in the second period, as they made an early 7-2 run to cut things down to just five, 21-26. Despite the run, the Cardinals continued their hot shooting streak, as they piled points to their lead, 21-30. When things were starting to head in the wrong direction for the Blazers, the duo of Tony Ynot and Gab Cometa gave the Taft squad enough life, as they trimmed down the deficit to five to end the quarter, 32-37.
The third quarter was a turning point for the Blazers. What was once an eight-point deficit, was immediately tied just three minutes into the period, 40-40. The next four minutes saw a tight battle between both squads, Jhomel Ancheta and Ynot fired up the Blazers' offense, while Escamis, John Jabonete, and Marc Cuenco made it rain from downtown to keep Mapua afloat in midst of the Blazers downpour, the period ended with both teams even, 55-55.
The final period was an outright master class as both teams went back and forth, converting clutch plays over another. Ultimately, it was Ynot who stood tall for the Blazers, delivering an impressive offensive run, with three consecutive steals converted to fast break layups. The Blazers executed a successful comeback, opening their NCAA Season 100 campaign with a win, 78-65.
Ynot was named player of the game with 9 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals. Liwag and Cometa also tallied double digits, with 23 and 17 points respectively.
The Blazers will face the San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions on Sept. 10 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Box Scores:
DLS-CSB (78): Liwag 23, Cometa 17, Ancheta 9, Ynot 9, Sanchez 6, Sangco 4, Eusebio 3, Morales 3, Cajucom 2, Torres 2, Ondoa 0, Serrano 0, Turco 0
MU (65): Escamis 16, Cuenco 9, Hubilla 9, Mangubat 9, Agemenyl 5, Jabonete 5, Fermin 4, Ryan 4, Abdulla 2, Igliane 2, Bancale 0, Concepcion 0, Garcia 0, Recto 0
