The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers mounted a late-game surge to stun the Lyceum of the Philippines (LPU) Pirates, 70–67, improving their record to 5-3, today, Oct. 28, at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Blazers opened the match with early momentum as Shawn Umali converted from the line, followed by SJ Moore’s layup to set the tone. However, the Pirates quickly answered through Renz Adrian Villegas and Jonathan Daileg, sparking an 8-0 run that forced an early Benilde timeout. Justine Sanchez broke the silence, but Muralla maintained control to close the first quarter ahead, 10–24
The men in green and white regrouped in the second frame as Joshua Cajucom and Umali led the charge, trimming the deficit to single digits. Allen Liwag found his rhythm and delivered steady free throws that kept the Taft squad afloat. Yet, the Pirates proved that they are hungry for a win, ending the second canto with an eight-point cushion, 31–44.
Benilde tightened its defense in the third quarter, with Ian Torres and Jhomel Ancheta fueling the energy shift. Tony Ynot’s trey and Raffy Celis’ corner triple trimmed the lead to six, as defensive stops brought the Taft squad within reach at 49–55 heading into the final frame.
The Blazers came alive in the payoff period, ignited by Cajucom’s hot shooting from beyond the arc and Celis’ composure at the line to tie the game. Though LPU’s John Michael Versoza briefly reclaimed the lead, Liwag’s decisive layup in the closing seconds sealed Benilde’s comeback victory, 70–67.
Player of the Game Liwag anchored Taft with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and an assist as he steered Benilde back to its winning ways.
Fresh from a win, the Blazers are set to face the Mapúa University Cardinals on Nov. 4 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, with a live telecast on Heart of Asia and the NCAA Philippines Facebook and YouTube pages.
Box Scores:
DLS-CSB (70): Liwag 16, Umali 11, Cajucom 9, Ynot 8, Celis 8, Sanchez 7, Ancheta 4, Torres 2, Moore 2, Eusebio 2
LPU (67): Villegas 14, Gordon 11, Moralejo, 10, Daileg 10, Aviles 6, Versoza 6, Montaño 5, Fuentes 2
