The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers emerged victorious against the San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Golden Stags, 91-85, opening their second round of #NCAA100 with a win, today, Oct. 13, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Matthew Oli set the court on fire with multiple 3-pointers to set up the Blazers with a seven-point lead, 12-5. Ian Suico and Reggz Gabat of the Stags doused the efforts of the Blazers, closing the gap between the two teams. However, Ian Torres ensured that the timber of the hardcourt remained warm for the Blazers and secured the first quarter in their favor, 23-21.
Zenric Jarque duplicated the play of Oli and drained consecutive 3-pointers. Recto squad’s Nikko Aguilar launched a counterattack, however the towering defense of Blazer Allen Liwag made things difficult for the Stags as they attempted to snag the ball’s possession. The Blazers' steam was too much for the Stags to handle as they closed the second quarter, 42-38.
The Stags overwhelmed the Blazers as they toned down the aggressiveness of the Taft squad turning the third period in their favor, 64-65. Despite the setbacks, Roger Ondoa stepped up as he sealed the deal for the Blazers to reclaim the third quarter, 68-65.
The Blazers, led by Liwag and Justine Sanchez, passed through the crumbling defenses of the Stags and caught them out of rhythm with wild attempts for a breakthrough. The Blazers successfully hunted down the Stags on both sides of the court and cemented their win, 91-85.
Ian Torres was hailed as the player of the game with 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Liwag was the top scorer with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and an assist.
The Blazers will face the Arellano University (AU) Chiefs on Oct. 16 at the same venue with a live telecast on the Heart of Asia and the NCAA Philippines Facebook and Youtube pages.
Box Scores:
DLS-CSB (91): Liwag 18, Torres 13, Oli 12, Sanchez 9, Ancheta 9, Jarque 9, Cometa 6, Sangco 5, Ondoa 5, Cajucom 3, Morales 2
SSC-R (85): Are 29, Gabat 21, Felebrico 12, Aguilar 6, Gabat 6, Suico 5, Ricio 4, Escobido 2
