Benilde outplayed Jhuniel Dela Rama and San Sebastian in the much-desired return of reigning MVP Allen Liwag to the hardcourt. 

The Benilde Blazers looked like the mean, green, well-oiled machine that their powerhouse lineup is billed as after pummeling the San Sebastian Golden Stags, 82-64, on Wednesday. 

Liwag, coming off a three-game layoff due to an illness, willed the green-and-white of Taft with BPG numbers of 19 points and seven rebounds on a hyper-efficient 75% field goal shooting while playing limited minutes for Coach Charles Tiu. 

The Blazers successfully got back to their feet after their Arellano stumble last Sunday, as they benefitted from their groovy offense and balanced scoring that left San Sebastian’s defense confused throughout. 

Justine Sanchez, currently Season 101's scoring leader with an 18.67 average, had a double-double afternoon with 16 points and 11 rebounds to go along with 2 assists and 2 steals.

Matthew Oli also poured in 10 markers in only 15 minutes of play, while John Morales and Jio Gonzaga were surprise contributors for the Blazers with 9 and 6 points, respectively.

The bench scoring was a massive difference-maker in Benilde’s wire-to-wire win.

The last season’s finalists extracted 68 total points from their second and third stringers, a far cry from San Sebastian who only found 12. 

Six-foot-two rookie sensation Jhuniel Dela Rama continued his stellar play for the Golden Stags, dropping yet another monster double-double for Coach Rob Labagala– 20 points and 12 rebounds– in the losing effort. 

Graduating captain TJ Felebrico raked in 12 points, while Ralph Gabat and Christian Ricio had 9 apiece. 

SCORES:
Benilde 82 - Liwag 19, Sanchez 16, Oli 10, Morales 9, Gonzaga 6, Torres 4, Celis 3, Gaspay 3, Umali 3, Daja 3, Ynot 2, Moore 2, Cometa 2, Galas 0, Ancheta 0

San Sebastian 64 - Dela Rama 20, Felebrico 12, Gabat 9, Ricio 9, Velasco 7, Cuajao 3, Nepacena 2, Lumanag 2, Castor 0, Segovia 0, Gomez de Liaño 0, Dimaunahan 0