Mapua University’s reign in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is over.
After drawing flak from no less than their coach, Charles Tiu, College of Saint Benilde played with fire in their eyes, stunning reigning champion Mapua, 74-72, in the quarterfinals of Season 101 men’s basketball tournament on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
Raffy Celis made heads turn while Ian Torres chipped in solid numbers for the Blazers, who did not only punch a ticket to the semifinals but also avenged their loss to the Cardinals in a dramatic best-of-three finals series last year.
Celis fired 18 points and five rebounds while Torres and Tony Ynot added 112 and 11 markers, respectively.
But more than that, they proved to their coach that they are not afraid of the Cardinals.
“We finally showed heart against Mapua,” said Tiu, adding that he was impressed at how his wards responded to his challenge after they surrendered Game 1 to the Cardinals, 58-73, last Wednesday.
“Everybody was counting us out, there were naysayers from within and the fans. Nobody believed in our team so I told them, we have something to prove. The job’s not done.”
The Blazers will be facing San Beda University, which knocked down Lyceum of the Philippines University in the quarterfinals, 91-67.
On the other hand, Letran College ripped Arellano University in the second game, 77-69, to gain a chance to face University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in the best-of-three semifinals starting Tuesday.
Jimboy Estrada was impressive, firing 19 points, five rebounds and three assists while ace playmaker Titing Manalili issued 12 dimes on top of four rebounds and three points for the Knights, who are itching to win the title that has been eluding them for the past couple of years.
“We have completed one goal, but we are far from finished,” said Letran coach Allen Ricardo, who drew 15 points and eight rebounds from Kevin Santos.
Still, the day belonged to the Blazers.
With reigning Most Valuable Player Clint Escamis having a nightmarish day, the Blazers took advantage, hounding and pounding the Cardinals to dictate the tempo early on.