The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers’ title defense ended in heartbreak after falling to the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons, 68-73, in the PinoyLiga The Big Dance Season 2 Finals today, Sept. 7, at the Enderun Gym in Taguig City. 

The Benilde Blazers struck early in the opening quarter, with Raffy Celis’ controlling the paint, John Mowell Morales’ steady free-throw work, and Matthew Oli’s hustle which gave Benilde a comfortable lead to end the first quarter, 20-13. 

However, the tide quickly turned in the second canto as Adamson erupted with a 16-0 run spearheaded by Cedrick Manzano, John Earl Medina, and Matthew Montebon. The Taft squad attempted a comeback courtesy of Ian Torres, Morales, and Celis but Adamson kept their composure and closed the half on top, 34-37. 

Torres started strong in the second half with a steal and a fastbreak lay up, while Morales followed suit with a huge triple to put Benilde ahead by two2 points. As both teams fought tooth and nail, Torres delivered a buzzer beater lay up to give the Blazers a two-possession lead, 54-50. 

The men donning green and white continued to ride the wave of their momentum until Manzano and Medina lit up from deep to stage a 9-0 run. Unfortunately, Benilde faltered in the closing minutes as Adamson secured the championship, 68-73. 

Quarter Scores: 20-13, 34-37, 54-50, 68-73