Ynot puts on a show in NCAA’s return to old stomping grounds
The last time the NCAA held games at Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Tony Ynot didn’t even know how to play basketball.
Back in 2006, Ynot was a 6-year-old in Misamis Occidental. He had yet to pick up a basketball, while the Manila sporting complex was then the epicenter of NCAA action.
“I hadn’t even played basketball yet. I started in 2012—my first sports were volleyball and track and field,” said Ynot, after helping College of St. Benilde improve to 6-3 in Group B of the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament.
“I was still in the province then. I was poor and scruffy,” he added with a laugh upon learning how long it had been since the league last played at Rizal.
Nearly two decades later, the dynamic guard found himself at the center of Benilde’s 75-65 win over defending champion Mapua on Tuesday, in the NCAA’s return to the historic arena.
Ynot didn’t just help the Blazers tighten their grip on the second seed in Group B—he also led them in getting payback against the Cardinals, who swept Benilde in last year’s Finals to claim the Season 100 crown.
Benilde opened the game with a scorching 18-0 run, 11 of which came from Ynot, who finished with 25 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal.
Rizal Memorial has long been a launching pad for stars who would go on to flourish in the PBA. Ynot knows he’s still carving out his path, but hopes to return to the same hardwood someday—this time as a pro.
Strong turnout
“I’m still in college, but maybe if I make it to the pros and get to play here again, I’ll give it my best,” he said. “I’m so happy because this was my first time playing here, and I was the best player. I’m glad I helped the team get the win.”
Blazers coach Charles Tiu also welcomed the league’s return to Rizal—especially with the strong turnout of Benilde supporters from nearby Taft.
“We can have every game here—we have a lot of fans for once because it’s near our school,” said Tiu. “I don’t mind it being a bit loud. We’re 1-0 here now. I think we can play every game here.”
Allen Liwag added a double-double for Benilde with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Mapua’s Cyrus Cuenco and Earl Sapasap scored 14 and 13, respectively, as the Cardinals dropped to 4-5 in Group A.
Earlier, Lyceum had its own shining moment at Rizal, pulling off a 78-66 upset over San Beda.
Joshua Moralejo led the Pirates with 24 points.
