De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde escaped Mapua University, 74-72, in their do-or-die quarterfinals match on Friday at the Filoil Centre.
The win secured Benilde a spot in the semifinals and effectively dethroned defending champion Mapua. It also marked the Blazers’ fourth straight Final Four appearance under head coach Charles Tiu.
In their previous encounter, Mapua defeated the twice-to-beat Blazers, 73–58.
Benilde mounted an early 47-29 lead just before free throws from Earl Sapasap closed the first half and trimmed the Cardinals’ deficit.
Former Most Valuable Player Clint Escamis, however, made an early exit after being called for a disqualifying foul on Tony Ynot at the 9:05 mark of the third period—an infraction that also marked the end of his collegiate career.
From there, Mapua rallied in the second half and even seized a 63-62 lead with 5:51 left in the fourth quarter.
Benilde, however, responded with a 7-0 run capped by an Ian Torres triple to regain a 69–63 advantage. Mapua mounted a late rally and pulled within two, 74-72, with 15 seconds remaining.
Mapua had multiple chances to force overtime, but JC Recto missed two free throws off a Justine Sanchez foul, while Cyrus Nitura misfired on the final attempt, handing the win to Benilde.
“We expected a dogfight every time we played Mapua. They are the defending champs for a reason—they didn’t quit,” Benilde head coach Charles Tiu said.
“We played our game, but we were a bit rattled down the stretch. Still, we found ways to win.”
Raffy Celis led the Blazers with 18 points, while Torres and Ynot added 12 and 11, respectively.
Recto paced Mapua with 18 points, while Cyrus Cuenco and Cyril Gonzales contributed 17 and 11. Escamis, before his disqualification, was limited to three points on 0-of-6 shooting.
The Blazers will face San Beda University in the semifinals.
Scores:
Benilde 74 – Celis 18, Torres 12, Ynot 11, Liwag 9, Sanchez 6, Umali 5, Ancheta 5, Gaspay 4, Morales 2, Cajucom 2, Oli 0.
Mapua 72 – Recto 18, Cuenco 17, Gonzales 11, Sapasap 7, Nitura 4, Concepcion 4, Delos Reyes 4, Lazarte 4, Escamis 3, Igliane 0, Abdulla 0, Reyes 0.
Quarters: 24-17, 47-31, 60-53, 74-72.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
