After five streaming disappointments, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers finally tasted victory over the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates last July 22, effectively bringing them to eighth place overall.
The Blazers started with Jonathan Grey, Luis Antonio Sinco, Roberto Bartolo, Jose Alfonso Saavedra and Mark Romero. While the LPU Pirates‘ starting five were Andrei Mendoza, Wilson Baltazar, Shane Albert Ko, Jeremiah Taladua and Joseph Ambohot.
It was the Pirates’ Mendoza who drew first blood with a quick two in the first quarter, opening to a swift 7-0 run for LPU. However, Benilde responded with four points by Romero and Ongteco after two shots from the line by Grey. The first quarter ended at 10-19 in favor of the Blazers after Mbomiko hit one of his two free throws. The second quarter was also dominated by Benilde, with it finishing at 28-39.
By the final quarter, the Taft cagers had shot itself 21 points ahead (70-49). But the tenacious Pirates, determined to turn tides, caught up with a 17-1 run with having only one minute and 33 seconds left in the game (70-66). The Blazers clenched deep into their lead until the last tic, ultimately winning the game at 75-69 under a cannonade of cheers.
“What happened to us, in spite of the five straight losses, [was] we stayed positive despite everything,” said the Blazers’ head coach Gabby Velasco. “We tried to recognize our mistakes [and] we tried to learn from [them]. After learning from [them], [we] forget about [them], and then go on.”
Parang nanalo kami dito sa lotto eh, parang jackpot,” continued a contented Velasco.
Drama lingered after the game however, when LPU’s Zamora punched Blazer Argamino in the stomach, sending the athlete flat onto the floor. Coaching staff of both teams intervened in hopes to pacify the ensuing heat.
“Sad to say, unfortunate things happened. It was very odd, because tapos na [yung game],” said Velasco.
“I hope [the league] does something about this,” the coach went on, “they [should] not tolerate such actions.”
The blazer who was punched on the other hand shrugged the fiasco off, focusing instead on the game: “Ang akin lang naman kasi okay lang kasi it’s part of the game, kaya nag-focus lang ako.”
The best player of the game was rookie Blazer Fons Saavedra, who ended game with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while teammates Paolo Taha and Mark Romero combined for 25. Issah Aziz Faycal Mbomiko lead the Pirates (13 points), with the help of Shane Albert Ko (12 points).
The Blazers now ascends to the eighth spot overall, while the Pirates remain at the sixth spot, tied with Arellano University (AU) Chiefs.
