Sanchez Dedicates Big Game to Injured Benilde Teammates

Justin Sanchez was seen on both ends of the floor against Mapúa University, leading De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to an 82-77 bounce back victory at the PhilSports Arena on Friday.

The Blazers have been forced to play through a growing list of absences, starting with reigning two-time MVP Allen Liwag, who has been sidelined by an injury.

Then came their game against JRU, where Raffy Celis and Matthew Jucom did not play, while Irele Galas was also forced out after getting injured during the game.

For Sanchez, the injuries have become an added challenge, but they have also given the rest of the team more reason to step up.

“Yung mga kapatid ko, kailangan namin silang ipaglaban. Wala man sila sa game, pero we feel their presence, especially through brotherhood,” Sanchez told ALL-STAR.

Sanchez, who serves as Benilde’s team captain, took that mindset onto the court and gave the Blazers an all-around performance against Mapúa.

He finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and six blocks as the Blazers bounced back from their tough loss to JRU and improved to 3-1 in NCAA Season 102.

“Binuhos ko lang talaga lahat for this game. Ipaglalaban ko lang talaga para sa mga kapatid kong injured, para sa community, and para sa team. ’Yon yung mindset ko every time papasok ako sa loob ng court,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez said he has also made it a point to keep lifting his teammates in dealing with injuries.

“Lagi ko silang nililift up. Someone needs to step up kasi good thing din na may mabibigyan ng minutes, especially yung mga kasama ko na nagtatrabaho every day,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez was not alone in stepping up.

Ian Torres knocked down five three-pointers for 15 points, including a crucial triple that gave Benilde an 82-77 lead with 18 seconds left to help seal the win.

Jhomel Ancheta also continued to provide for the Blazers, finishing with nine points, 11 assists, and four steals.

With key contributors missing, Benilde has needed its available players to take on bigger roles.

That mentality was evident against Mapúa.

The Blazers responded to their loss to JRU by finding contributions across the lineup, with Sanchez leading the way and Torres and Ancheta providing timely production.

Benilde may be losing pieces along the way, but the Blazers continue to find ways to fight through the setbacks.

And against Mapúa, Sanchez made sure the next-man-up mentality translated into another win.