Benilde Keeps Finding Ways to Win Despite Absences

College of Saint Benilde was tested down to the wire, but the Blazers showed plenty of heart to outlast the University of Perpetual Help in a hard-fought overtime battle, 81-79.

It was a grind from the get-go, with the Altas coming in prepared and making life difficult for CSB on nearly every possession. Benilde head coach Paolo Layug gave credit where it was due, acknowledging how hard Perpetual fought throughout the game.

“It’s a tough game, credit to Perpetual. Well-coached, they played great today,” Layug said. “We were a bit fortunate in the end… But we need these games, and we need to learn how to play in these types of situations, ’cause that’s where we’re going to see the growth of our team.”

When the Blazers needed a big shot, their team captain delivered.

Justine Sanchez turned in a career performance, pouring in 27 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and knocking down seven of his eight attempts from beyond the arc. His seventh triple came with the game hanging in the balance, giving Benilde an 81-79 lead that ultimately proved to be the difference.

“Nagulat din ako eh na kada hawak ko ng bola, kada bitaw ko kanina, parang basta ’yung ring eh,” Sanchez shared with a smile about his shooting night.

“Sabi ko, ‘Lord, thank you!’ Kasi siyempre, lahat ng pinagtatrabahuan mo, makikita mo ’yung result. Sobrang sarap sa feeling na gano’n ’yung resulta nung game namin ngayon.”

Sanchez wasn’t the only Blazer who delivered when it mattered most. Jhomel Ancheta calmly sank two of three pressure-packed free throws late in regulation to force overtime, finishing with 17 points and eight assists as Benilde eventually escaped with the win.

For Sanchez, who has taken on a bigger leadership role alongside Ancheta and Mowell Morales while key pieces Allen Liwag, Raffy Celis, Matthew Jucom, and Irele Galas remain sidelined, keeping the team together has come down to constant communication and trust.

“Actually, thankful ako kay Jhomel, kay Mo, kasi grabe nila akong suportahan. Nung nag-step down si Allen, parang sabi ko, ‘Mo, Mel, kailangan ko kayo.’ Ngayon, nahahatak na namin si Ian, hangga’t sa unti-unti namin ’yung boys,” Sanchez said.

With several key players out, what could have been a setback has instead given the rest of the roster an opportunity to grow. Players have been forced to take on bigger roles, play meaningful minutes, and build confidence in situations where there is little room for error.

The Blazers remain on top of Group A despite their absences, and with their key players still waiting to return, this stretch could prove valuable for a Benilde squad learning how to win even when things don’t go according to plan.