NCAA: Tony Ynot finds form in Benilde win over Mapua

CSB Blazers’ Tony Ynot during a game against Mapua Cardinals in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament.–NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—After missing much of the early part of the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament, College of St. Benilde guard Tony Ynot is finally getting his rhythm again.

On Tuesday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Ynot fueled the Blazers to a 75-65 win over Mapua, exacting revenge over the team that swept them in last year’s Finals.

READ: Benilde gets back at Mapua in NCAA’s return to Rizal Memorial

The win was nice but for Ynot, getting back his old form is another thing to celebrate.

“It feels really good to slowly get my game back to help the team,” he said, coming off a season-starting ankle injury.

“[In the] past few games, I really couldn’t shoot so I thought of creating for my teammates so it feels good to see my shots go in and even be the best player [of the game].”

The former San Beda cog dictated the pace for the Blazers, finishing with 25 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal to push the squad to a two-way tie for Group B’s top seed with a 6-3 record.

He was also huge in Benilde’s strong 18-0 start in the first quarter, where he scored 11 during that blistering stretch.

NCAA SCHEDULE: Season 101 men’s basketball tournament

Ynot also showed his leadership by being coach Charles Tiu’s extension on the court, giving instructions and reminding his teammates on both ends of the floor.

Reigning MVP Allen Liwag was forced to sit on the bench in the payoff period after an apparent shoulder injury.

While Liwag finished with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, it was Ynot who barked orders for the squad to step up in the absence of the team’s anchor.

“I just told them that Allen may not play so they need to step up. They stepped up so that’s a good thing.”

“We just really played our game. My teammates enjoyed and that’s also a good thing. It’s nice to see my teammates enjoying the game.”