The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers surrendered the #NCAA100 championship after a hard-fought battle against the Mapua University (MU) Cardinals, 82-94, on Dec. 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Determined to force a decisive rubber match, the Benilde Blazers came out blazing in the opening minutes of the game. Allen Liwag spearheaded a fiery 6-0 run for the Blazers, but the Mapua Cardinals quickly countered with a surge of their own to keep things neck and neck. A clutch three-pointer by Lawrence Mangubat gave the Cardinals the lead at the end of the opening period, 24-23.

Seizing the momentum, the Cardinals picked up steam in the second quarter. Clint Escamis, who found  his rhythm from the free-throw line, began sinking mid-range jumpers that sparked a steady Mapua run. The Taft-based squad struggled to contain Mapua’s offensive flow, which widened the gap to 37-45 at halftime.

The Blazers came alive in the third quarter, refusing to let the game slip away. Justine Sanchez scored timely buckets, while Ian Torres drained a three to cut the deficit to just two points, 45-47. However, the Cardinals responded with poise. Mangubat and Cyrus Cuenco unleashed back-to-back three-pointers, igniting a scoring spree that pushed Mapua’s lead to double digits, 56-66, heading into the final quarter.

With the championship on the line, both teams poured their hearts into the game. The Blazers fought valiantly, but the Cardinals’ relentless offense and staggering defense, led by Cuenco, Mangubat, and JC Recto, proved insurmountable. Mapua secured an emotional 82-94 victory, clinching their first NCAA title in the last 33 years.

Escamis was crowned Finals MVP after averaging 24 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals per game in the series. Despite the loss, Benilde’s Allen Liwag shone brightly, earning the Season MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors. Liwag and teammate Tony Ynot were also named to the Mythical Five, cementing their place among the season’s standout performers.

The Cardinals ended a 33-year championship drought, capturing their first title since 1991. Meanwhile, the Blazers came up short in their pursuit of a long-awaited championship, a feat they last claimed in 2000.

Box Scores:

DLS-CSB (82): Sanchez 24, Ynot 17, Liwag 14, Sangco 7, Oli 7, Torres 5, Ancheta 4, Eusebio 2, Ondoa 2, Cajucom 0, Cometa 0

MU (94): Cuenca 19, Escamis 18, Mangubat 17, Hubilla 15, Recto 9, Igliane 8, Bancale 6, Garcia 2, Concepcion 0, Fermin 0