College of Saint Benilde’s Jhomel Ancheta in action against San Beda University in NCAA Season 102. Angela Davocol/NCAA Philippines.MANILA — The Allen Liwag-less College of Saint Benilde made a statement to open its campaign in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball, stunning defending champion San Beda University, 77-68, on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Jhomel Ancheta starred with 19 points, four rebounds, and three assists as the Blazers broke away late in the contest, while rookie Matthew Jucom impressed with 18 points and six rebounds in his NCAA debut.
“That’s kind of what we expect from him. He's our lead guard,” said new Saint Benilde head coach Paolo Layug of Ancheta, who knocked down a crucial three-pointer that helped the Blazers pull away after a back-and-forth affair.
“We expect that composure from him to make the big plays. We trust him in the endgame. It's not too surprising for him to do that,” Layug added.
Irele Galas added 12 points and six rebounds, while Raffy Celis capped the win with a dunk as the Blazers took an early lead in Group A despite not having Liwag, who is recovering from an Achilles injury.
For San Beda, newcomer Aldous Torculas led the team with 19 points and seven rebounds, while RC Calimag followed with nine points in the loss.
The Scores:
Saint Benilde 77 - Ancheta 19, Jucom 18, Galas 12, Celis 11, Morales 8, Torres 3, Arciaga 3, Cajucom 2, Sanchez 1, Moore 0, Podador 0, Daja 0, Go 0
San Beda 68 - Torculas 19, RC Calimag 9, Reyes 7, Marcelo 7, Lina 5, Hawkins 5, Bonzalida 4, Uggadan 4, Songcuya 4, Etulle 2, Jalbuena 2, Sarigumba 0, Estacio 0, Richi Calimag 0
Quarterscores: 15-17, 40-39, 57-55, 77-68.