Benilde averts a near-collapse in Game 2 of the NCAA Season 101 men’s volleyball finals as the Blazers stay alive in the championship series after beating the Mapúa Cardinals in five sets on April 8, Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. 

The Taft squad roused into a 2-0 lead but lost steam against a spirited Mapúa comeback in the third and fourth sets. The Benildeans regained control in the race-to-15 decider to prevent a reverse sweep, 25-18, 25-21, 25-22, 20-25, 15-19. 

Reymark Betco continued his stellar offensive showcase in the playoffs, scoring 32 points on 30 attacks, a block, and an ace, en route to a well-deserved best player of the game nod. 

The Game 2 victory sweetly encapsulates the day for Betco and his squad as he was also recognized as the league’s best opposite spiker during the awarding ceremony earlier this morning. 

The Agusan del Norte native has been on an offensive tear in the postseason, averaging 30.6 points across five games since their quarterfinal match against EAC, where he dropped 25 points. 

Betco would score 37 and 33 in their two-game semis slugfest versus Letran, and collected 26 in Game 2 of the finals. 

Last season’s Rookie-MVP Rocky Motol, who delivered the emphatic game-clinching spike, was also awarded his second straight best outside spiker trophy. 

Mapúa won Game 1 of the finals held last April 5 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, outdueling Mapúa in four sets.

Game 3 of the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Tournament is scheduled on Friday, April 10, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.