St. Benilde Blazers’ Justine Sanchez during an NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball game. NCAA PHOTO
Down with the flu for over two days, Justin Sanchez simply refused to call in sick in a very crucial tiff.
The do-it-all forward hardly showed any trace of that illness, sparkling on both ends in College of St. Benilde’s 83-78 win over Letran on Friday in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.
Sanchez never grew tired of harassing Jimboy Estrada, the Knights’ prolific scorer, throughout while posting significant figures of 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
READ: NCAA: Benilde gains Final Four after escaping Perpetual Help
“I didn’t stop chasing Estrada until the final buzzer. I was sick for two days and wasn’t able to practice yesterday (Thursday). But as soon as I got on the court, it was gone,’’ said Sanchez after the Blazers fortified their bid for a precious twice-to-beat bonus in the semifinal.
MVP contender Allen Liwag finished with 20 points and had eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal as the Blazers neutralized the game-long full-court pressure of the Knights.
“I expected that the defense would focus on me, so I was ready for it. I’m just glad that I was able to adjust,’’ said Liwag, who was also down with the flu the past few days.
The victory, their 13th overall in 15 games, has installed the Blazers a game closer to cementing a twice to beat in the Final Four.
READ: NCAA-leading College of St. Benilde too much for hapless JRU
Rolling to their sixth straight victory in the second round, the Blazers are bracing for a battle royal against the second-running Mapua Cardinals come Sunday before facing the defending champion San Beda Red Lions and the Lyceum Pirates to wrap up their elimination quest.
The Cardinals, breathing down the Blazers’ necks at 12-3 are likewise angling for one of the top two slots in the semis.
Pao Javillonar seized the moment and led the Knights with 31 points after Estrada and shooter Deo Cuajao got all bottled up, but it wasn’t enough for Letran, which put their semifinal bid in peril at sixth place (7-9).
“They’re a desperate team fighting for a Final Four spot. It was a tough game, Letran played great but the boys showed composure and found ways to win,’’ said CSB coach Charles Tiu.
The Score
ST. BENILDE 83 – Liwag 20, Sanchez 16, Sangco 11, Ynot 7, Torres 7, Ancheta 7, Eusebio 7, Ondoa 6, Morales 2, Cometa 0, Oli 0, Cajucom 0
LETRAN 78 – Javillonar 31, Estrada 13, Cuajao 10, Montecillo 9, Miller 6, Nunag 5, Monje 4, Delfino 0, Pradella 0, Jumao-As 0, Dimaano 0
Quarter scores: 15-27, 47-37, 62-54, 83-78