NCAA: Benilde bounces back, Mapua extends Stags’ losing streak
College of St. Benilde’s Allen Liwag during an NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament game. –NCAA Photo
MANILA, Philippines—College of St. Benilde vented its ire on Lyceum in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Friday.
Following a loss at the hands of Letran which blemished the Blazers’ undefeated start to the season, coach Charles Tiu’s wards made sure to bounce back when they faced the Pirates, 103-78.
Article continues after this advertisementBenilde got its pace back on the win column all while breaking the Pirates’ three-game win streak to improve to a 5-1 record.
READ: NCAA: Benilde edges San Beda in OT behind rookie’s heroics
Allen Liwag, the first recipient of the Collegiate Press Corps’ Player of the week plum for Season 100, showed why he’s a threat to be reckoned with after posting a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds, missing just two of his 12 shots from the field.
Article continues after this advertisementMclaude Guadaña’s 26-point outburst was put to waste as Lyceum dropped to a 3-3 card. The guard duo of Gyle Montano and John Barba also finished with 14 and 12 points, respectively, but to no avail.
Stags’ struggles continue
Mapua’s Clint Escamis during an NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament game. –NCAA Photo
Meanwhile, San Sebastian still couldn’t get over the hump as it lost its fifth straight game after a phenomenal start to the season.
Mapua downed the Stags, 91-72, behind a phenomenal performance from Marc Cuenco.
READ: NCAA: Lyceum stops Mapua, Perpetual Help goes back-to-back
Cuenco tallied 26 points with three assists and three rebounds to match to give the Cardinals a 4-2 card. Reigning league MVP Clint Escamis, meanwhile, registered 25 points, four assists, four rebounds and two steals for good measure.
On the San Sebastian side, Tristan Felebrico tallied a near double-double with 20 points and nine rebounds while Rafael Are dropped 17 in the defeat that gave them a 2-5 slate.
Up next for Mapua is the streaky Jose Rizal University on Sunday at the same venue.
