The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers took down the Mapua University (MU) Cardinals, 75-65, boosting their record to 6-3, today, Nov. 4, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Manila City.
Rizal Memorial Coliseum seemed to hold something special for the Taft squad as the Blazers opened with a scorching 18-0 run against the Muralla squad. Tony Ynot set the tone early with three triples and a swift layup, while Allen Liwag anchored with seven points in the opening stretch. Mapua finally broke their silence midway through the first quarter with a short run of their own, but Benilde closed the quarter firmly in control, 30-19.
Mapua built on their buzzer-beater from the previous quarter with quick shots to start the second, but Benilde responded with an 11-4 run fueled by timely outside shooting from SJ Moore and Josh Cajucom. The Cardinals managed to stay within reach but the Blazers’ steady rhythm held through as they entered halftime, 48–36.
Early in the third quarter, Mapua took advantage of Benilde’s cooling off and attacked the paint with EJ Sapsap and Clint Escamis at the helm. However, Ynot and Justine Sanchez clawed their way back to momentum, advancing their scores further 58-64.
In the final canto, the Blazers continued to dominate the paint, despite the Cardinals’ desperate attempts. Shawn Umali stood his ground as Taft owned their redemption triumph, 75-65.
Player of the Game Ynot remained unfazed despite coming off a past injury, leading the way with 25 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal. Reigning MVP Liwag provided steady support in the paint, posting a double-double performance with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Benilde Blazers aim to continue their winning ways against the San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions on Friday, Nov. 7, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, with live telecast on Heart of Asia and the NCAA Philippines Facebook and YouTube pages.
Box Scores:
DLS-CSB (75): Ynot 25, Liwag 12, Cajucom 8, Sanchez 6, Moore 6, Morales 4, Eusebio 4, Torres 3, Umali 3, Celis 2, Cometa 2
MU (65): Cuenco 14, Sapasap 13, Escamis 11, Concepcion 8, Gonzales 8, Nitura 7, Reyes 4
