The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) faltered against the San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions, 72-91, in the opener of the best-of-three semifinals series today, Dec. 2, at Smart Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City.
Mendiola wasted no time asserting control as Bryan Sajonia and Agjanti Miller spearheaded an early all-out assault on Taft’s basket. The Blazers tried to answer in kind to stay within striking distance, with Ian Torres providing an early spark, but San Beda ended the first quarter ahead, 22-19.
The second canto opened with Jhommel Ancheta and Shawn Umali carrying the scoring load for the Taft squad, but their efforts were repeatedly answered by Yukien Andrada and Nygel Gonzales as the Mendiola squad pushed the lead to as high as 44-31. A last-second layup from Allen Liwag trimmed the deficit, but the first half still ended in favor of the men in red and white, 37-48.
In the second half, Miller and Sajonia took charge in leading the men in red and white, as San Beda maintained a double-digit cushion. Despite the tough ball game, the Blazers managed to stay alive with explosive steals from Liwag, Torres, and Umali that converted into transition baskets. Even with all the hustle, the Blazers still fell short as missed shots, turnovers, and errant passes piled up, closing the third quarter at 53-63 in favor of San Beda.
Sajonia opened the payoff quarter with three straight triples that widened the gap to 53-74. Benilde responded after a timeout as Justine Sanchez steadied the Taft squad with a layup and free throws, while Torres connected from beyond the arc and a brief bench surge kept the Blazers within range. Despite the late hustle and refusal to fold from the men in green and white, San Beda’s perimeter firepower and composure down the stretch proved decisive, closing the game at 72-91.
The Blazers will look to regroup and extend their season as they face the San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions once again in a do-or-die Game 2 this Friday, Dec. 5, at the Mall of Asia Arena, with a live telecast on Heart of Asia and the NCAA Philippines Facebook and YouTube pages.
Box Scores:
DLS-CSB (72): Torres 18, Umali 13, Sanchez 11, Ancheta 8, Liwag 7, Ynot 4, Morales 4, Gaspay 3, Gonzaga 2
SBU (91): Miller 29, Sajonia 26, Gonzales 11, Andrada 8, Calimag 5, Reyes 4, Etulle 2, Celzo 2, Lina 2, Puno 2
