Ynot shines as Blazers burn Cardinals

Game today:

(Rizal Memorial Coliseum)

2:30 p.m. — Arellano vs JRU

Red-hot Tony Ynot fired 25 points as College of Saint Benilde torched defending champion Mapua University, 75-65, in a satisfying payback win in Season 101 of the National Collegiate Athletic (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The streaky scorer drilled a booming triple that triggered an 18-0 explosion by the Blazers in the opening quarter, setting the tone for a one-sided affair in the rematch of last year’s championship showdown.

Ynot tied his career-high after going 9-of-14 from the field and grabbed eight rebounds with three assists in Saint Benilde’s sixth win in nine outings in Group B.

“It was good because I was able to slowly return to my game and help the team because in the past few games, I wasn’t able to shoot,” said Ynot, who was still playing for San Beda when he last scored 25 points in Season 98 back in 2022.

“We just played our game. I was able to shoot my shots, and my teammates enjoyed it.”

Saint Benilde head coach Charles Tiu was proud to see the 6-foot-1 guard play well despite still being bothered by a leg injury.

“I’m glad that he finally started hitting shots. I think he’s been pressing himself. He really wants to perform to his capabilities and he just hasn’t been himself,” Tiu said.

“He’s been playing with one leg, but today he came back. I mean, with the way he dives for the ball and how he fights for the team, I think his energy really carried everybody.”

Saint Benilde quelled the Cardinals’ 13-5 run in the middle of the third quarter that shaved their deficit to just three points, 53-50, with timely baskets to see out the win.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag dropped a double-double output of 12 points and 10 rebounds before he exited the second half due to a shoulder injury while Joshua Cajuco had eight points for the Blazers.

Marc Cuenco scored 14 points as Mapua dropped to a 4-5 slate despite still occupying second place in Group A.

Meanwhile, Lyceum of the Philippines University took down San Beda University, 78-66, to snap its two-game losing streak.

Joshua Moralejo finished with 24 points, five rebounds and four assists as the Pirates improved to a 2-7 record in Group A.

Red Lions rookie Janti Miller had 22 points, six boards and two dimes as the Lions dropped to a 6-3 slate in Group B.