Spikers’ Turf: NCBA stays alive, downs St. Benilde

NCBA’s Lee Jumbo Nudua try for a tip-in shot off Johnvic De Guzman of CSB at the San Juan Arena .
INQUIRER PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ

National College of Business and Arts pulled off another surprise as the Wildcats rallied from two sets down to upset the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 19-25, 16-25, 25-18, 27-25, 19-17, and keep its semifinal hopes alive in the Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Arena.

The newcomer Wildcats—who also rose from two sets down to shock La Salle last week—showcased their clutch forms again behind Reyson Fuentes, Jason Canlas and Paul John Domingo.

“Reyson played really well,” NCBA coach Jun Balubar said of his guest player, who erupted for 24 points. “He knew what’s at stake.”

The crucial win propelled the Wildcats to a share of fourth with idle Emilio Aguinaldo College at 3-3.

Earlier, Far Eastern University downed University of the Philippines, 25-23, 17-25, 26-24, 25-23, in a battle of eliminated teams.

Jude Garcia and Greg Dolor combined for 28 points to power the Tamaraws, who tied their victims and the Blazers at 1-5.

Fuentes posted 19 kills and half of the Wildcats’ 10 swats, the last on a match-clinching block on St. Benilde standout Johnvic de Guzman.

“I really bank on Reyson because of his defense and attack,” said Balubar. Canlas fired 16 points, 13 coming off spikes, while Domingo added 13 points for the Wildcats.