Rookie Rocky Roy Motol registered a season-high of 26 points to tow De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde past San Beda University in a five-set thriller, 25-20, 14-25, 26-28, 25-22, 19-17, to extend the Blazers' winning streak to five in the NCAA Season 100 men's volleyball tournament on Thursday at the Arellano University gym in Manila.
San Beda led early in the deciding set, 13-12, before the set was extended. San Beda reached match point, 16-15 but Mike Balbacal tied the game again. Jacob Herrera put the Blazers in front, 17-16. Axel Van Book scored for the Mendiola crew, but Balbacal then answered with his own. Eventually, Motol served the finisher for the Taft-based squad.
Motol had 21 attacks and five blocks, along with 24 excellent receptions as the Blazers remained undefeated in the tourney.
"Whatever the result is, I'm proud of my boys kasi in-all out talaga kanina. Kudos to San Beda, they played up talaga kasi ang taas ng porsyento nina Booc, nina Bakil, talagang naghanda rin sila ng husto. Dumating sa head to head and breaks of the game, thank God nag-favor sa amin ang result. Pero whatever the result kanina, I'm very happy sa pinakita ng boys," Benilde head coach Arnold Laniog said.
Aside from Motol, James Harold Marasigan had 14 points, while Balbacal added 10 points for the Taft-based squad. Chris Lorenz Villanueva, meanwhile, had 20 out of Benilde's 30 excellent sets.
The win spoiled Axel Van Book's 23 points as the Red Spikers slipped to 3-2.
"Super taas na 'yung confidence ngayon kasi ilan na lang laro namin [sa first round], 'yun na lang kailangan namin paghandaan," Motol said.
Benilde will face Lyceum of the Philippines University next on March 21.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
