Jhomel Ancheta took charge in the extra period to help De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde gut out a 70-65 overtime win over San Beda University to remain undefeated in the NCAA Season 100 on Tuesday.
The rookie guard, who hit a big three-pointer with 19.7 seconds left in regulation, scored five more in overtime en route to a team-high 14 points and five assists as the Blazers secured the win for a 2-0 record and an early lead in the standings after beating the two finalists last season in their first two games.
The defending champions Red Lions, meanwhile, fell to 1-1 card after opening their campaign with a statement win over Lyceum of the Philippines University.
"I liked that we didn't panic. That game looked like it was ours, [we were] up nine then San Beda made a run again and they took the lead," Benilde head coach Charles Tiu said.
"For a short time, we both had open shots we couldn't hit. I guess at the end of the game, basketball gods favored us today. We got some breaks."
Ancheta, who scored nine points in their opening game against the Cardinals, came up big down the stretch after burying a corner three that gave Benilde a 60-58 lead. Before that, Bryan Sajonia converted a layup that sent the Red Lions to a one-point lead.
But San Beda veteran Yuki Andrada knocked down a quick basket that forced overtime.
The 21-year-old Ancheta then took over, nailing a three-pointer before escaping the defense of Nygel Gonzales for another layup, giving the Blazers a 65-60 cushion.
Former Red Lion Tony Ynot, who tallied 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists in the game, finished it off with a long bomb of his own, sending his old team to its first loss of the season.
Sajonia once again paced San Beda with 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one steal while Andrada chipped in 13 markers, five boards, two blocks, and one dime.
Benilde will look to go 3-0 when it takes on Emilio Aguinaldo College on Saturday while San Beda will try to bounce back against San Sebastian on the same day.
The scores:
Benilde (70) - Ancheta 14, Ynot 13, Liwag 12, Sangco 7, Cometa 6, Oli 5, Torres 4, Morales 4, Sanchez 3, Eusebio 2, Cajucom 0, Turco 0.
San Beda (65) - Sajonia 19, Andrada 13, Payosing 10, Puno 7, Gonzales 6, Calimag 5, Celzo 3, Songcuya 2, Royo 0, Bonzalida 0, Tagle 0, Estacio 0, Jalbuena 0.
Quarters: 19-11, 32-33, 52-47, 60-60, 70-65 (OT).
WATCH:
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
