07-07-2025
FilOil: Benilde averts collapse in one-point escape vs. EAC, nears top seed
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde nearly wasted a double-digit lead, but hung tough to escape Emilio Aguinaldo College, 86-85, in the 18th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Sunday.
Without Allen Liwag and Justine Sanchez, veteran guard Tony Ynot led the way with 17 points laced with two rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block to help the Blazers pull off the victory despite almost squandering a huge 17-point cushion.
Jhomel Ancheta sent Benilde to a 72-55 lead late in the third period, but the Generals turned to EJ Castillo in the fightback that saw them pulling within the in the fourth, 81-84, thanks to four straight baskets from the rookie sensation.
Castillo followed those up with another stepback jumper before Jacob Shanoda sank a pair of free throws off a foul he drew from Raffy Celis to further trim the gap to a solitary point, 85-86, with 53 seconds left in the game.
EAC had a chance to win it, but Nico Quinal missed a last-gasp three-pointer attempt as Benilde held on to take its second win in a row.
Benilde improved to 7-1 and could secure the top seed if it wins over Lyceum of the Philippines University (1-7) on Wednesday and if Colegio de San Juan de Letran (7-1) loses to San Beda University (4-4).
In another game, graduating Yukien Andrada displayed his veteran presence in leading San Beda to a 76-70 win against the struggling Lyceum.
The 6-foot-5 forward almost had a double-double outing of 21 points and nine rebounds while also getting ample help from Agjanti Miller and Nygel Gonzales.
New recruit Miller posted a double-double performance of 14 points and 12 rebounds while Gonzales chipped in 13 markers, seven assists, and two boards as the also-ran Red Lions look to end their campaign on a high note.
Aside from Benilde, Letran, and EAC, Arellano University is also among the NCAA teams heading to the FilOil quarterfinals while La Salle, UST, UP, and NU make up the UAAP bracket.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
