Benilde stays atop Group A with rout of Arellano

College of St. Benilde got its spot back at the top of Group A in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament after defeating Arellano, 94-82, at Philsports Arena on Friday.

The Blazers figured in a logjam for the group’s top seed after Jose Rizal University earlier defeated San Sebastian, 102-78, to improve to a 5-1 record.

That deadlock only happened momentarily as Benilde won its fourth straight win a few hours later for a league-leading 6-1 record.

“Siguro, naging composed lang talaga kami. Nagtulong-tulong talaga kami kasi alam namin sa sarili namin na kaya namin ‘to,” Justine Sanchez said.

“Kinausap ko lang ‘yong boys na whatever happens, let’s stay together.” he added.

Sanchez paced the Blazers to the win with 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Benilde’s supporting cast provided ample help for Sanchez with Jhommel Ancheta leading the way on offense with 18 points.

The duo of SJ Moore and Zenric Jarque also helped the cause with 12 markers a piece.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, absorbed their third straight loss after starting the tourney at 4-0.

Basty Valencia top scored for Arellano with 17 points. T-Mc Ongotan’s struggles continued as he dropped 14 on a 4-for-11 shooting night.

King Vinoya also scattered 12 points as his squad tripped to 4-3 in Group B.