The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers prevailed in a nailbiter match against the San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions, 70-62, today, Nov. 13, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Yukien Andrada opened the game with a mid-range jumper to set the tone early for the Red Lions. On the other side of the court, MVP candidate Allen Liwag quickly added points on the scoreboard for the Blazers. It was a see-saw battle from the get-go with both teams exchanging baskets. The Mendiola squad capped off the first canto with a one-point advantage, 19-20. 

Bismarck Lina and Bryan Sajonia anchored the men in red and white to sustain their momentum. Meanwhile, Jhomel Ancheta and Justine Sanchez took charge in the second quarter to regain the lead in favor of the Taft squad, 34-31.

Both teams remained aggressive in the third quarter as the lead continued to change possession. Season 99 Finals MVP James Payosing led the way for the defending champions pitching in nine points in the third quarter. However, a Tony Ynot and Sanchez tandem ensured the advantage would remain to the Blazers, 52-51.

The back-and-forth battle continued in the final quarter leaving the results of the game up in the air until the very last minute. However, a clutch three-pointer by Ancheta sealed the victory for the Blazers, 70-62. 

Ancheta was crowned player of the game with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist. 

The Blazers will face the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates in their final game of the elimination round as they look to maintain their top seed placing on Nov. 15 at the same venue with a live telecast on Heart of Asia and the NCAA Philippines Facebook and YouTube pages.

Box Scores:

DLS-CSB (70): Ancheta 18, Liwag 14, Sanchez 13, Ynot 10, Torres 5, Cometa 4, Morales 3, Sangco 3

SBU (62): Lina 17, Payosing 12, Andrada 10, Estacio 7, Sajonia 6, Celzo 4, Puno 2, Songcuya 2, Gonzales 2