NCAA: Benilde extends win streak to four, keeps Arellano winless in crossover phase

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde extended its winning streak to four games after defeating Arellano University, 94-82, in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Friday at the Philsports Arena.

The Blazers trailed 48-42 at halftime but quickly erased the deficit, tying the game at 51 early in the third quarter after opening the second half with a 9-3 run.

The two teams then traded baskets before the Taft-based squad unleashed a 10-2 run midway through the third period to take a 73-65 lead, capped by an SJ Moore three-pointer at the 1:08 mark.

The Chiefs, however, closed the third quarter with a 5-0 run to cut the deficit to three, 73-70, heading into the final frame.

Benilde pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Arellano, 21-12, to seal the victory. Justine Sanchez led the Blazers’ fourth-quarter charge with seven points.

Jhomel Ancheta finished with 18 points, four assists, two rebounds, and two steals, while Sanchez contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists as Benilde improved to 6-1.

Basti Valencia led the Chiefs with 17 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while T-Mc Ongotan added 14 points, four assists, two steals, and one block. Arellano remained winless in the crossover phase, dropping to 4-3.

Scores:

Benilde 94 - Ancheta 18, Sanchez 17, Moore 12, Jarque 12, Morales 9, Torres 9, Jucom 6, Podador 6, Cajucom 5,Go 0, Lorenzo 0, Daja 0, Arciaga 0.

Arellano 82 - Valencia 17, Ongotan 14, Vinoya 12, Buenaventura 10, Borromeo 8, Langit 8, Geronimo 4, Hernal 3, Camay 2, Abiera 2, Cabotaje 2, Flores 0, Manansala 0.

Quarters: 25-26, 42-48, 73-70, 94-82.

—JKC, GMA News