NCAA: Player of the Week Sanchez leads Blazers’ surge

College of Saint Benilde’s Justine Sanchez. Angela Davocol/NCAA Philippines.MANILA — De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde stretched its winning streak to four games in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball, the longest in Group A so far, with veteran forward Justine Sanchez leading the Blazers’ charge.

Sanchez steered CSB to a 73-66 win over San Sebastian College on Monday and a 94-82 victory over the Arellano University Chiefs on Friday, earning him Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Player of the Week honors for October 5 to 9.

The CSB senior, however, said his contributions went beyond his individual numbers, especially with the Blazers still without back-to-back NCAA Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag, who is recovering from an Achilles injury.

“Yung pagiging composed namin, and gina-gather ko sila na whatever happens, we stay together,” said Sanchez, who posted 12 points, 12 rebounds, and two steals against the Golden Stags before finishing with 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists against the Chiefs.

The 6-foot-5 forward also emphasized that leadership goes beyond scoring, noting the importance of communicating with his teammates and helping them stay focused amid challenges.

“Malaking bagay din kasi ‘yung pag-lead ko sa kanila, at ‘yung pakikipag-usap ko sa kanila. Everytime na may nangyayari na hindi maganda, tinitipon ko sila, para ma-assure na maging clear ‘yung ginagawa namin sa loob,” he added.

Sanchez edged San Beda University’s Aldous Torculas, Mapúa University’s Marc Cuenco and Ivan Lazarte, Jose Rizal University’s Lawrence Mangubat, and Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s Titing Manalili for the weekly honor.

His efforts helped the Blazers secure the top spot in Group A and the best record among all teams in the league.