Benguet State University unleashed a stunning 3-point barrage in the opening minutes, but the defending champion University of Baguio weathered the storm to secure a commanding 105-77 victory in the Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League Season 37 men’s basketball elimination round at the CCDC gym Tuesday afternoon.
The Wildcats caught the Cardinals off guard by heavily relying on the perimeter right from the tipoff as Aljon Estillore and Justin Cavestany draining quick 3-pointers capped a basket by Laurence Hilario that gave BSU an early 8-15 advantage.
After a timeout with 5:49 left in the first quarter, the Cardinals neutralized the perimeter threat and closed the opening period with a 25-22 lead as comebacking Jude Quitolbo sparked the turnaround with seven points in the quarter, while Yzyr Nel Palispis added six to stabilize the defending champions.
“Nag – adjust lang kame sa depensa, I told them to locate mga shooters nila kasi naka-zone pa rin naman kame,” University of Baguio head coach Kevin Orduna said.
After the first quarter scare, UB systematically dismantled BSU in the second quarter.
Jusrhylle De Vera scored consecutive baskets to stretch the lead to 36-24, while Sean Nico Dingle added back-to-back hits late in the period to build a massive 58-34 halftime cushion.
The team cruised through the second half, taking a 79-57 advantage into the fourth quarter and keeping the game entirely out of reach.
Herald Mike Sanchez led a balanced University of Baguio attack with 16 points, while Kian Loui Garcia scored 13.
Shane Kian Sison added 12, Quitolbo had 11 and Palispis finished with 10.
Cavestany carried Benguet State in the losing effort with a game-high 23 points powered by four 3-pointers, while Lal and Zeus Candelario added 17 and 12 points, respectively.
BSU ultimately sank 13 3-pointers in the game while UB had only three.
“Surprise, maganda yung shooting ng BSU. Good job sa kanila,” Orduna said. Roderick Osis
