The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers rolled past the San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Golden Stags in the Preseason Cup, 91-68, on June 16, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Blazers trailed early as the Golden Stags leaned on Arwin Alforque, Matt Acosta, Christian Ricio, and John Ynot, brother of former Blazer Tony Ynot, to take control of the opening frame. Ian Torres attempted to steady the Taft squad with timely baskets, while Allen Liwag and Justine Sanchez kept Benilde within reach. SJ Moore briefly gave the Blazers a 20-18 edge, but San Sebastian closed the first quarter ahead, 22-27.
The second canto saw Benilde claw back behind Jio Gonzaga, Matt Jucom, and Raffy Celis. The Golden Stags continued to press through Ralph Gabat and Vince Suico, but the Blazers refused to let the gap grow. Celis was left bloodied after contact with Gabat, drawing an unsportsmanlike foul. Joshua Cajucom converted from the line, while Mowell Morales and Jucom provided key buckets late. Jucom’s triple gave Benilde a 48-46 lead before San Sebastian tied the game at halftime, 48-48.
In the third frame, the Blazers turned the game around by using their height and interior presence to overwhelm the Golden Stags. The Golden Stags played physicality, but the Blazers answered with baskets as Ernest Daja, Liwag, Morales, Celis, Jucom, and Sanchez powered Benilde’s run. Despite another physical play that sent Liwag to the floor after contact from Ricio, the Taft squad stayed composed and limited San Sebastian to nine points in the quarter to build a 72-57 cushion entering the final canto.
The decider saw Benilde complete the breakaway as they stretched the lead to 85-59, silencing the Golden Stags. San Sebastian tried to respond through Acosta and Gabat, but Daja and Sanchez delivered the finishing touches as the Blazers sealed the bounce-back victory, 91-68.
The Blazers look to sustain their momentum against the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals on June 18 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, with a live telecast on PusoP.com.
Quarter Scores: 22-27, 48-48, 72-57, 91-68
