Manila: College of Saint Benilde (CSB) clobbered Mapua University, 75-65, in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila on Tuesday. Winston Jay Ynot finished with 25 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and a steal as the Blazers improved to a 6-3 record and remained the No. 2 seed in Group B.
According to Philippines News Agency, reigning MVP Allen Bryant Liwag chipped in 12 points and 10 rebounds for CSB, which lost to Mapua in the finals last season. Marc Cyrus Cuenco scored 14 points and seven rebounds while Earl Jaeron Sapasap added 13 points for the Cardinals, whose best effort was moving within 58-64 after trailing 38-46 at halftime. With a 4-5 win-loss slate, Mapua kept the No. 2 spot in Group A behind Perpetual Help, which holds an 8-1 record.
CSB coach Charles Tiu commented on the team’s performance, stating, “We had to take care of the ball, which we did in the first half, but we made mind-boggling mistakes in the second half. Thankfully, we defended well enough to win the game.”
In another game, Lyceum of the Philippines stunned Pool A leader San Beda University with a 78-66 victory. Neil Joshua Morelejo led the Pirates with 24 points, five rebounds, four assists, and a steal, helping the team notch their second win against seven losses. Gyle Patrick Monta±o and John Ronald Barba contributed 15 and 10 points, respectively. Agjantidemario Miller paced the Red Lions with 22 points and eight rebounds.
