(UPDATE) COLLEGE of Saint Benilde (CSB) Blazers continued its impressive run in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament, outlasting Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers, 73-65, on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
After a closely contested game, Benilde pulled away with key baskets from Justin Sanchez, Raffy Celis, and Winston Ynot, extending their lead to 69-63.
The Heavy Bombers struggled to respond in the late stretch, allowing Benilde to finish the first cycle of the group stage with a 3-1 win-loss record.
The Blazers’ win solidifies their position at the top of the group standings.
ONE FOR ALL! College of Saint Benilde and Jose Rizal University battle for a rebound during the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan in Pasay on Oct. 12, 2025. PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO
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Celis, a former Ateneo de Manila University standout, led the scoring for Benilde with 20 points, complemented with five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Sanchez backed him up with 17 markers on 70 percent field-goal shooting.
Despite committing 23 turnovers, the Blazers managed to escape with a victory.
Benilde head coach Charles Tiu attributed the team’s struggles to their careless mistakes, praising JRU’s strong offense and defense.
“We’re finding our way to address that, and hopefully we can work on those lapses,” Tiu said, acknowledging the need for improvement.
JRU fell to 2-2.
JRU was led by Sean Salvador and Saniea Peñaverde, who put up 13 and 11 points, respectively.
Heavy Bomber sniper Shawn Argente was ejected from the game in the third quarter (3:06) after obtaining two technical fouls that changed the trajectory of the fourth quarter.
The Blazers will look to build on this momentum in their next outing, while JRU will aim to bounce back from the tough loss.
Scores:
CSB 73 — Celis 20, Sanchez 17, Morales 7, Ancheta 5, Umali 5, Moore 5, Oli 5, Gaspay 3, Eusebio 2, Cajucom 2, Ynot 1, Galas 1, Jalalon 0
JRU 65 — Salvador 13, Peñaverde 11, Argente 9, Lozano 9, Benitez 7, Panapanaan 5, Laurenaria 5, Garupil 4, Herrera 2, Duque 0, Castillo 0, Sarmiento 0
Quarterscores: 22-19, 42-34, 55-51, 73-65.