NCAA: St. Benilde tops group by beating Arellano

MANILA — College of St. Benilde regained the top spot in Group A of the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament after a crucial 94-82 win over Arellano University on Friday at the PhilSports Arena.

The Blazers were in a logjam at the top of their group after Jose Rizal University earlier defeated San Sebastian, 102-78, to improve to a 5-1 record.

But Benilde took care of business against the Chiefs, winning its fourth straight game to improve to a league-leading 6-1 record.

“Siguro, naging composed lang talaga kami. Nagtulong-tulong talaga kami kasi alam namin sa sarili namin na kaya namin ‘to,” Justine Sanchez said. “Kinausap ko lang ‘yong boys na whatever happens, let’s stay together.”

Sanchez paced the Blazers to the win with 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Benilde’s supporting cast provided ample help for Sanchez with Jhommel Ancheta leading the way on offense with 18 points. The duo of SJ Moore and Zenric Jarque also helped the cause with 12 markers a piece.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, absorbed their third straight loss after starting the tourney at 4-0.

Basty Valencia top scored for Arellano with 17 points. T-Mc Ongotan’s struggles continued as he dropped 14 on a 4-for-11 shooting night. King Vinoya also scattered 12 points as his squad tripped to 4-3 in Group B.

CSB 94 – Ancheta 18, Sanchez 17, Moore 12, Jarque 12, Morales 9, Torres 9, Jucom 6, Podador 6, Cajucom 5,Go 0, Lorenzo 0, Daja 0, Arciaga 0

AU 82 – Valencia 17, Ongotan 14, Vinoya 12, Buenaventura 10, Borromeo 8, Langit 8, Geronimo 4, Hernal 3, Camay 2, Abiera 2, Cabotaje 2, Flores 0, Manansala 0

Quarter scores: 25-26, 42-48, 73-70, 94-82