MVP Tony Ynot steers Benilde to Asiabasket title

NCAA stars Tony Ynot and Axel Doromal shone for their respective squads to finish on the podium of the 2023 Asiabasket Dasmariñas Championship over the weekend.

Ynot, a former San Beda star, led the Benilde Blazers to an immaculate run capped by a 105-84 triumph against Statham Academy during their finals showdown on Saturday at the Dasma Arena. The do-it-all guard tallied 23 points on top of six rebounds, two assists, and one block as the Blazers completed a tournament sweep.

Ynot bagged the MVP plum after helping the Rajko Toroman-mentored squad reign supreme. 

They went undefeated in seven games courtesy of a 4-0 win-loss slate in the group stage followed by a 90-43 quarterfinal win against the Pilipinas Aguilas and a 103-86 semifinals triumph over the MisOr Mustangs.

Meanwhile, former Arellano standout Doromal led the Mustangs' fourth quarter fightback as they survived Shawarma Shack to claim third place with a 106-104 escape.

The Mustangs entered the payoff period down 87-79 but a three-point play opportunity from Doromal cut Shawarma's lead to four at 97-93. 

The incoming EAC transferee then knocked down back-to-back baskets before his two great dimes led to a basket each from Jethro Sombero and Brylle Meca as they regained the lead, 101-100, with 1:56 left. 

Sombero poured in a double-double effort of 26 points and 15 rebounds laced with three assists, three steals, and three blocks while Doromal finished with 18 markers, six dimes, two boards, one swat, and one rejection.

Both Ynot and Doromal are serving a one-year residency before suiting up for Benilde and EAC, respectively, in Season 100 next year.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News