photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Better late than never.
St. Benilde saved face for its nightmarish season and avoided winless campaign with a 65-61 victory over Lyceum Friday in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
“This is a very emotional win for us, not only for me, but for everybody as well,” said coach Gabby Velasco. “We’ve been waiting for this day to come, but at least, we’re able to salvage one.”
The Blazers escaped the infamy of being the only team to post a winless season and finished their campaign at 1-17.
“Kahit isang panalo, feeling namin champion kami. Malaking boost ito sa morale ng team looking forward sa future. Yun ang objective namin today, anything positive to gain. I hope everybody will be motivated for the future,” said Velasco.
Clement Leutcheu fired seven of his 18 points in the final five minutes of the game, including the go-ahead and-one for a 62-61 lead with 1:24 to go.
The Pirates couldn’t catch a break in the clutch, as Louie Pasamante dropped a huge layup to further pad the lead, 64-61, with 25.0 ticks left.
Edward Dixon fired 12 markers, four boards, and two assists, while Yankie Haruna got 11 points and five rebounds in the win.
Reymar Caduyac topped Lyceum (6-12) with 11 points and six assists in the loss, while Wilson Baltazar also posted 11.
The Scores:
ST. BENILDE 65 – Leutcheu 18, Dixon 12, Haruna 11, Fajarito 9, Young 6, Pasamante 5, Sta. Maria 2, JS Domingo 2, Castor 0, JJ Domingo 0, Suarez 0, Pajarillaga 0, Belgica 0, Pili 0.
LYCEUM 61 – Caduyac 11, Baltazar 11, Nzeusseu 10, Alanes 8, Marata 6, Soliman 4, Malabanan 4, Ayaay 2, Bulawan 2, Alban 2, Gabayni 1, Magbuhos 0, Soriano 0, Rubite 0, Serafica 0.
Quarters: 18-13, 26-30, 41-47, 65-61.