Benilde Stays Perfect, Beats LPU 98-82

The College of Saint Benilde Blazers kept their unbeaten record intact after turning back the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, 98-82 at the Playtime FilOil Centre.

Matthew Jucom anchored the Blazers once again, leading the effort with 17 points and six rebounds to capture back-to-back Player of the Game honors.

"Ginagawa ko lang po 'yung role ko sa team. Sinusunod lang namin 'yung game plan ni Coach Paolo at nagtitiwala lang sa isa't isa," Jucom said following another solid performance.

Benilde's frontcourt depth proved decisive as the team adjusted to the absence of starter Raffy Celis due to health reasons according to Head Coach Paolo Layug.

Irele Galas provided an immediate boost off the bench with 13 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting, while Justine Sanchez stepped up with 12 points, eight rebounds, and two assists.

Layug also praised the team's adaptability despite the rotation changes.

"We just have to find ways to win games no matter who is on the floor. Guys have to step up, and I’m glad Justine [Sanchez] and Irele [Galas] came ready to play today," Layug said.

The Blazers seized control in the second quarter, exploding for 32 points to build a 57-50 lead at halftime.

LPU attempted to mount a comeback in the second half behind Renz Villegas, who poured in a game-high 24 points.

Benilde neutralized the threat by dominating inside, generating 46 points in the paint and 57 total bench points to maintain a double-digit cushion.

With the victory, Benilde improved to a 2-0 record in Group A of NCAA Season 102.

The Scores:

CSB 98 – Jucom 17, Galas 13, Sanchez 12, Cajucom 10, Moore 10, Morales 10, Ancheta 8, Torres 8, Jarque 3, Arciaga 3, Podador 2, Baliquig 0, Lorenzo 0, Daja 0

LPU 82 – Villegas 24, Peñafiel 11, Ondoa 11, Rubico 11, Daileg 5, Matienzo 4, Almario 3, Pallingayan 3, Manuel 2, Guadana 2, Panelo 2, Aungue 2, Cardenas 2, Fuentes 0, Aviles 0

Photo Credits: NCAA Philippines Media