NCAA: Benilde holds off LPU to boost playoff bid

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde held off Lyceum of the Philippines University, 107-103, to strengthen its playoff bid in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Friday at the San Andres Gym.

With the victory, the Blazers improved to 8-3, joining San Beda University and Jose Rizal University in a three-way tie for the top spot in the standings.

Benilde came out firing, outscoring the Pirates, 35-19, in the opening quarter before building its biggest lead at 64-41 with 2:24 remaining in the second period. The Blazers eventually took a 67-51 advantage into halftime.

LPU trailed by 16 points, 87-71, heading into the final quarter but mounted a late comeback attempt.

After trailing 97-85 with 3:48 remaining, the Pirates unleashed an 8-2 run to cut the deficit to 99-93 at the 1:26 mark. Matthew Jucom stopped the rally with a three-pointer before free throws from Renz Villegas, following a technical foul and a foul by Mo Morales, kept LPU within striking distance.

Ian Torres, however, answered with a three-pointer to give Benilde some much-needed breathing room in the closing moments.

Villegas converted another pair of free throws after drawing a foul from Celis to keep the Pirates' hopes alive. However, Jhomel Ancheta sank his free throws after being fouled by Mclaude Guadana to virtually seal the victory for the Blazers, despite Villegas' late-game efforts.

Jucom led Benilde with 23 points, including five three-pointers, along with seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. SJ Moore and Morales chipped in 18 points apiece, while Ancheta added 17.

The victory spoiled the impressive performances of Matthew Rubico, who finished with 28 points, and Villegas, who added 26, as LPU dropped to 4-7.

Scores:

Benilde 107 - Jucom 23, Morales 18, Moore 18, Ancheta 17, Sanchez 9, Gonzaga 8, Celis 4, Torres 4, Daja 2, Galas 2, Cajucom 2, Podador 0, Lorenzo 0.

LPU 103 - Rubico 28, Villegas 26, Guadana 15, Aurigue 11, Penafiel 8, Daileg 7, Matienzo 4, Manuel 3, Nocum 2, Gordon 0, Cardinas 0, Pallingayan 0, Panelo 0, Almario 0, Fuentes 0.

Quarters: 35-19, 67-51, 87-71, 107-103.

—JKC, GMA News