Blazers shock Lions

Games today:

(Filoil EcoOil Centre)

3 p.m. — San Sebastian vs Arellano

5 p.m. — Mapua vs JRU

College of Saint Benilde stunned defending champion San Beda University, 77-68, to open its Season 102 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball campaign on a winning note Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Jhomel Ancheta led the Blazers with 19 points, four rebounds and two assists as Benilde pulled off the upset despite playing without two-time Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag.

For head coach Paolo Layug, the victory came down to executing the little things when the game was on the line.

“The endgame was just about focusing on the smaller details. We’re fortunate that San Beda rimmed out a few shots that had great looks,” Layug said.

“Even if it is not against San Beda, it’s good to win on opening day. We know that on any day, any team could win.”

Ancheta capped an 8-2 run with a layup with 31.9 seconds left, giving the Blazers a 72-66 lead in the final minute.

RC Calimag kept San Beda alive with a jumper that cut the deficit to four, 72-68, with 25.2 seconds remaining.

But rookie guard Matthew Jucom sealed the victory by splitting his free throws with 16.3 seconds left, sparking a quick 5-0 finish for Saint Benilde.

Jucom marked his NCAA debut with 18 points and six rebounds, while Irele Galas added 12 points and six boards.

Sean Aldous Torculas paced San Beda with 19 points but was the only Red Lion to score in double figures.

The scores:

SAINT BENILDE (77) — Ancheta 19, Jucom 18, Galas 12, Celis 11, Morales 8, Torres 3, Arciaga 3, Cajucom 2, Sanchez 1, Moore 0, Podador 0, Daja 0, Go 0.

SAN BEDA (68) — Torculas 19, RC Calimag 9, Reyes 7, Marcelo 7, Lina 5, Hawkins 5, Bonzalida 4, Uggadan 4, Songcuya 4, Etulle 2, Jalbuena 2, Sarigumba 0, Estacio 0, Richi Calimag 0.

QUARTERS: 15-17, 40-39, 57-55, 77-68.