Justin Sanchez of the St. Benilde Blazers during an NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball game. NCAA photo
Having been suffering from the flu for more than two days, Justin Sanchez refused to call in sick in a very important fight.
The do-it-all forward hardly showed any trace of that ailment, shining on both ends of the field in College of St. Benilde’s 83-78 win over Letran on Friday in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.
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Sanchez never tired of harassing the Knights’ prolific scorer Jimboy Estrada, posting key stats of 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
READ: NCAA: Benilde reaches Final Four after avoiding continued aid
“I didn’t stop chasing Estrada until the final buzzer. I was ill for two days and could not practice yesterday (Thursday). But as soon as I came on the court, he was gone,” Sanchez said after the Blazers strengthened their bid for the valuable two-to-beat bonus in the semifinals.
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MVP contender Alan Livag finished with 20 points and had eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal as the Blazers neutralized the Knights’ game-long full-court pressure.
“I expected the defense to be focused on me, so I was prepared for it. I’m just happy that I was able to adjust,” said Liwag, who was also suffering from flu for the past few days.
The win, their 13th in 15 games, moved the Blazers closer to sealing a two-win Final Four berth.
READ: NCAA-leading College of St. Benilde too much for hapless JRU
Looking for their sixth consecutive win in the second round, the Blazers are set for a battle royal against the second-place Mapua Cardinals on Sunday before they face defending champion San Beda Red Lions and Will face the Lyceum Pirates.
The Cardinals, breathing down the Blazers’ necks 12-3, are likewise vying for one of the top two spots in the semifinals.
After Estrada and shooter Deo Quejao were completely out of action, Pao Javilonar took advantage of the opportunity and led the Knights with 31 points, but it was not enough for Letran, ending their semi-final bid with a sixth-place finish (7-9 ) but got into danger.
“They are a desperate team fighting to make the last four. “It was a tough game, Letran played very well but the boys showed composure and found ways to win,” CSB coach Charles Tiu said.
Score
Scheduled Tribe. Benilde 83 – Liwag 20, Sanchez 16, Sangco 11, Ynot 7, Torres 7, Ancheta 7, Eusebio 7, Ondoa 6, Morales 2, Cometa 0, Oli 0, Cajucom 0.
Letran 78 – Javilonar 31, Estrada 13, Cuazao 10, Montecillo 9, Miller 6, Nunag 5, Monje 4, Delfino 0, Predella 0, Zumao-As 0, Dimano 0.
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Quarter scores: 15-27, 47-37, 62-54, 83-78
