Ian Torres nails a game-winner at the horn as College of Saint Benilde beats the Janti Miller-less San Beda University in Game 2 of their best-of-three semifinals, 77-75, on Friday at the MOA Arena.

Torres tallied 10 of his 17 total points in the fourth quarter, none bigger than his one-handed toss at the buzzer that won the game for the green-and-white of Taft Avenue. He laced the heroic performance with 2 rebounds and 2 assists with an efficient 3-for-6 clip from three-point distance.

Veteran point guard Winston Ynot top-scored for the Blazers with an all-around outing of 19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals, while versatile forward Justine Sanchez added a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag was limited to 9 points on 4-for-11 field goal shooting, but maintained his intimidating presence in the paint by collaring 15 rebounds– six from the offensive board.

San Beda missed the services of NCAA Season 101 scoring champion Janti Miller who were in street clothes after reportedly suffering a knee contusion in Game 1 of their semifinals duel against Benilde.

Stepping up to the plate in the rookie star’s absence were Nygel Gonzales, Bryan Sajonia, and Jomel Puno, who contributed 17, 16, and 14 points, respectively.

Despite San Beda lacking Miller’s 20.27 PPG firepower, the Red Lions were able to keep the contest competitively close down to the last second. 

Iloilo pride Sajonia scored a one-hander to give San Beda a precarious two-point lead, 75-73, with a minute and change remaining in the fourth, but Benilde was able to run in transition after a crucial defensive stop which turned into Sanchez’ game-tying layup. 

Gonzales and Puno each had game-winning chances that would’ve closed the series, but left five ticks on the game clock which was all Torres needed to put up his game-winning floater.