NCAA: Benilde nears Final Four, clips EAC behind Allen Liwag

College of St. Benilde’s Allen Liwag against his former team Emilio Aguinaldo College in NCAA Season 100.–NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Allen Liwag patiently broke down his former team’s defense inside and led College of St. Benilde to a 69-65 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College on Sunday at the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball.

Despite multiple defenders thrown at him, the 6-foot-6 Liwag powered his way to 15 points in the paint and grabbed nine rebounds to pace the Blazers, who moved a win away from sealing a Final Four spot.

“They defended with a zone when I’m inside and went man to man whenever I’m far from the ring. I knew I would have limited touches, so I patiently worked to accomplish my job,” said Liwag in Filipino.

READ: NCAA-leading Benilde too much for hapless JRU

Tony Ynot, returning after missing the past three games, contributed 14 points and Ian Torres added nine as the Blazers picked up win No. 11 in 13 games, assuring them of a playoff for the fourth slot in the semifinals.

The EAC Generals actually came close to yanking the tournament-leading Blazers from under. They were in control in the first half and led 61-59 on Gelo Loristo’s jumper before CSB came charging back.

Ynot’s three put the Blazers back on top and a nifty feed by Gab Cometa on Liwag inside produced a three-point play that created more separation.

Nico Quinal nailed a triple as the Generals stitched the gap, but the EAC sniper lost the leather in a crucial possession with six seconds remaining, dashing their hopes for an upset.

READ: NCAA: Gab Cometa’s career game leads Benilde revenge win

Cometa’s free throw and King Gurtiza’s off-target desperation shot on the other end sealed the Generals’ seventh defeat in 13 games as they shared the fifth spot with the Lyceum Pirates.

“I was super motivated to play against my former teammates. They’ve improved so much and I’m proud of them,” said Liwag, the leading season MVP contender with double-double average in points and rebounds.

Harvey Pagsanjan had 16 points and Quinal added 12 but Gurtiza wound up way below his average output with 10 points for the Generals, who are seeking a historic semifinal appearance in their finest season yet.

The scores:

ST. BENILDE 69 – Liwag 15, Ynot 14, Torres 9, Cometa 7, Eusebio 6, Sangco 5, Ondoa 4, Sanchez 3, Oli 3, Cajucom 3, Morales 0, Ancheta 0, Turco 0, Serrano 0

EAC 65 – Pagsanjan 16, Quinal 12, Gurtiza 10, Lucero 5, Doromal 5, Loristo 4, Bacud 4, Ochavo 3, Oftana 3, Bagay 3, Angeles 0, Luciano 0, Ednilag 0, Umpad 0

Quarter scores: 13-20, 34-34, 49-44, 69-65