MANILA, Philippines – College of St. Benilde streaked to its third straight win to stay on top of the NCAA leaderboard as San Beda rebounded strong by dealing San Sebastian’s first loss in Season 100 men’s basketball action on Saturday, September 14, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
CSB turned to Tony Ynot on offense and Allen Liwag on defense as the Blazers whipped the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 77-55, to stay unbeaten.
Ynot, who’s still grieving the death of his beloved grandfather, fired 9 of his 16 points from beyond the arc, while Liwag dominated the boards with a game-best 15 rebounds on top of 7 points and 2 blocks.
“Tony Ynot had to go home because his lolo had passed. Allen struggled offensively, but we all know he’s helping us even if he’s not scoring,” said CSB coach Charles Tiu.
San Beda, which lost to Benilde in overtime last Tuesday, recovered with an 85-75 triumph over San Sebastian.
The Red Lions arrested the Stags’ hot start to the season by limiting the trio of Rafael Are, Raymart Escobido, and Tristan Felebrico, who combined for 32 points after averaging 54 in the last two games.
“We were able to do a decent job in terms of limiting their strengths, turnover points, fastbreak points, and second chance points. They didn’t reach their average,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta.
San Beda and San Sebastian wound up tied at 2-1 behind CSB (3-0) and Perpetual (2-0).
Rookie transferee Bryan Sajonia pumped in a career-high 26 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter where the Lions held off the Stags’ comeback efforts.
Skipper Yukien Andrada also delivered for the Lions with 21 points, 15 off triples, on top of 11 rebounds.
But Escueta noted that the Lions need to work on their free throws after missing 15 of 38 attempts, which was worse than their 11-of-24 clip the last game.
“Lot of things to improve on. We gave time during our last practices shooting free throws. It’s just that we need to get used to shooting free throws in real life,” he said.
The Generals, meanwhile, absorbed their second loss in three games.
The Scores
First Game
San Beda 85- Sajonia 26, Andrada 21, Puno 12, Payosing 7, Estacio 6, Royo 4, Rc. Calimag 4, Ri. Calimag 3, Culdora 2, Songcuya 0, Bonzalida 0, Celzo 0.
San Sebastian 75- R. Gabat 19, Escobido 14, Aguilar 11, Are 9, Felebrico 9, L. Gabat 8, Ricio 3, Velasco 2, Maliwat 0, Lintol 0, Pascual 0, Suico 0, Barroga 0.
Quarters: 21-12, 42-31, 58-51, 85-75.
Second Game
CSB 77 – Ynot 16, Sanchez 14, Ancheta 10, Eusebio 9, Liwag 7, Jarque 7, Cometa 7, Sangco 4, Serrano 2, Cajucom 1, Torres 0, Morales 0, Oli 0, Turco 0, Ondoa 0.
EAC 55 – Gurtiza 13, Pagsanjan 10, Ochavo 4, Umpad 4, Quinal 4, Ednilag 4, Oftana 3, Angeles 3, Doromal 3, Luciano 2, Bacud 2, Bagay 2, Loristo 1, Lucero 0, Postanes 0.
Quarters: 22-15, 41-32, 59-48, 77-55.
– Rappler.com