The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers stumbled against the San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions, 89-95, on June 12 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. 

The Blazers were eager to sustain their winning ways, carving out a 9-4 edge early in the game. Benilde maintained their offensive rhythm with the steady scoring of Matt Jucom and Jhomel Ancheta, along with a bucket from Raffy Celis, stretching the lead to nine at 17-8. The Red Lions looked to claw their way back behind Aldous Torculas, trimming the deficit to six at the end of the quarter, 26-20.

The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair between the Blazers and Red Lions as both teams capitalized on free throw attempts. SJ Moore converted a timely putback inside the paint, but the Red Lions’ 3-point shot and a deuce by Zane Jalbuena gave San Beda a narrow 1-point advantage, marking their first lead of the game. Celis intercepted the ball amid the Red Lions’ offensive possession and converted a fast-break layup to regain the lead for Benilde, 34-33. Torculas sparked a run with back-to-back baskets in the paint and made free throws, extending the Mendiola squad’s cushion. In the final seconds, Ancheta was fouled and sank both free throws, closing the quarter with San Beda ahead by one, 45-46.

In the third canto, the men in green and white struggled to regain control as Zedjay Etulle and RC Calimag helped the Red Lions establish a five-point cushion. Benilde managed to stay within striking distance as Allen Liwag, Jucom, and Ancheta combined to counter the Mendiola squad's offense. A high-flying dunk from Zenric Jarque briefly returned the lead back to the Blazers, but JC Bonzalida and Kai Efron quickly responded for San Beda. Ultimately, a late conversion by Ralph Baliquig ensured Benilde held a narrow one-point lead heading into the final frame, 68-67. 

In crunch time, Daniel Marcelo spearheaded San Beda’s rally to reclaim the lead before Jucom answered with five straight points to put the Blazers ahead, 74-70. The men in red and white quickly responded through Lawrence Hawkins, Jalbuena, and Torculas, whose timely baskets kept the Red Lions in control. Despite late baskets from Ancheta and Jarque, Etulle sealed the victory for the Lions from the free-throw line, 89-95. 

The Blazers eye a comeback against the Mapúa University (MU) Cardinals on June 14 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, with a live telecast on PusoP.com. 

Quarter Scores: 26-20, 45-46, 68-67, 89-95