There’s guaranteed to be a new NCAA men’s basketball champion after College of St. Benilde edged defending titleholder Mapua, 74-72, in the Season 101 quarterfinals on Friday at San Juan Arena.
‘It looked like a game we almost let slip away. Beating Mapua’s really something,’ coach Charles Tiu said. ‘Everybody was counting us out. Nobody believed in our team so I told them we have something to prove. The job’s not done.’
The Blazers led by as many as 18 points but still had to weather Mapua’s late surge.
Benilde held a 62-54 lead early in the fourth before the Cardinals’ 9-0 run, capped by a Cyrus Cuenco triple, pushed Mapua ahead, 63-62.
The Blazers responded with a 10-1 rally punctuated by a Shawn Umali three, restoring a 72-64 cushion with 2:08 left.
Mapua had a chance to force overtime when JC Recto was fouled with 5.5 seconds remaining, but he missed both free throws as Benilde held on.
Raffy Celis led the Blazers with 18 points and five rebounds. Ian Torres added 12 and Tony Ynot had 11.
Recto finished with 18 and five in Mapua’s final outing. Graduating guard and former Finals MVP Clint Escamis struggled with three points before being ejected in the third quarter for a disqualifying foul.
Benilde advances to a best-of-three semifinal against San Beda starting Tuesday.
‘They’ve beaten us twice already so I hope this time kami naman,’ Tiu said. ‘We have to look forward to San Beda. They’re a great team.’