With twice-to-beat bonus in view, Blazers keeps ‘chasers’ mentality

Justine Sanchez fires up the Blazers. —NCAA MEDIA

The St. Benilde Blazers own an enviable view of the top, but they refuse to assume they’re already ahead of the pack.

“We’d like to think that we’re always behind and chasing to keep us hungry and motivated,” said Justine Sanchez, who starred in the Blazers’ 83-78 win over the Letran Knights on Friday in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.

The victory, their 13th overall in 15 games, put the Blazers one step closer to a precious semifinal twice-to-beat bonus.

“That’s the goal. We’re playing for the top two spots. We really needed this win and it’s an advantage,” said St. Benilde coach Charles Tiu.

Down with the flu the day before, Sanchez efficiently restrained Jimboy Estrada, Letran’s gunner, throughout while also pitching heavily on offense with 16 points on top of six rebounds, three assists, a pair of blocks and a steal.

“I didn’t stop chasing Estrada until the final buzzer. I was sick for two days and wasn’t able to practice yesterday (Thursday). But as soon as I got on the court, [my illness] was gone,” said the do-it-all St. Benilde forward.

Rolling to their sixth straight victory in the second round, the Blazers are bracing for a crucial tiff against the second-running Mapua Cardinals on Sunday before facing the defending champion San Beda Red Lions and the Lyceum Pirates to wrap up their elimination schedule.

MVP contender

The Cardinals, breathing down the Blazers’ necks at 12-3 (win-loss), are likewise angling for one of the top two slots for a twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four.

MVP contender Allen Liwag finished with 20 points and had eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal as the Blazers neutralized the game-long, full-court pressure of the Knights.

Pao Javillonar led the Knights with 31 points after Estrada and shooter Deo Cuajao got all bottled up, but it wasn’t enough for Letran, which saw its semifinal bid in peril at sixth place (7-9).

“They’re a desperate team fighting for a Final Four spot. It was a tough game, Letran played great but the boys showed composure and found ways to win,” said Tiu.

John Barba keyed Lyceum’s late burst before the Pirates staved off the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 82-80, earlier in the afternoon.

Barba sank nine of his team-high 20 points in the fourth and the Pirates went on to escape with a win that boosted their tight Final Four bid as they now carry an even 8-8 slate at fourth place.

“One game at a time, but we should win all our remaining games,” said Lyceum coach Gilbert Malabanan.

The Pirates need to hurdle their last two elimination-round assignments in Emilio Aguinaldo College and St. Benilde for a return trip to the playoffs.

Already out of contention in the semifinals, the Heavy Bombers couldn’t stop their free fall, absorbing a 12th defeat with two games left in their season.