Benilde guns for 4-0 vs Perpetual Help

MANILA, Philippines — College of Saint Benilde aims to assert its dominance over the young University of Perpetual Help System Dalta squad and fourth consecutive win in the NCAA Season 100 men's basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Wednesday.The Blazers took its three-game winning streak in the first week of the season after taking down two formidable foes, the defending champion San Beda University, and finalist Mapua University. Benilde capped its week with a dominant win over Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), 77-55, last Sept. 14, to be the remaining team unscathed early in the conference. The scattered offense of the Blazers paved the way for its victory as Winston Ynot, Justine Sanchez, and Jhomel Ancheta all scored in double digits with 16, 14, and 10 points respectively. Big-man Allen Liwag, who was hailed as the first NCAA Player of the Week this season took care of the rebounding department of Benilde after tallying 15 rebounds against EAC, and he also scored seven points. After two tight matches against Mapua and San Beda, Benilde scored its first-ever blowout win against the Generals. "As a coach we're always nitpicking, we are always looking for something to improve, and we weren't always satisfied. But I can't complain about the win. If we could have the lead the whole game, and not a close game, I'd love that, but it's good that we find ways to win," head coach Charles Tiu said after a close match against San Beda. Meanwhile, Perpetual seeks to bounce back from a tough loss against Mapua, 71-65, last Sept. 15. The young Olsen Racela-mentored squad posted a challenge over the last year's runner up Mapua after rookie Mark Gojo Cruz kept up with Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player Clint Escamis' shooting. But the veterans of Mapua outsmarted the Altas in the dying minutes of the clock to secure its victory. The clash begins at 12 p.m.At 2:30 p.m. The Jose Rizal University looks to take its first-ever win as it faces the San Sebastian College-Recoletos. JRU absorbed three-straight heartaches (0-3) in the first week of the season, while San Sebastian took its first loss from San Beda (2-1). The Heavy Bombers led as much by 13 points against Lyceum University, but they struggled to close the game, allowing for the Pirates to score its first win, 97-92. Meanwhile, San Sebastian's top scorer Paeng Are, who scored his career-high of 30 points, followed by a double-double performance in their second game, seeks to avenge his five-point outing against San Beda. If the Golden Stags look to capture its third win, Are would need more help from Reggz Gabat and Raymart Escobido.