UMALI POWERS BENILDE PAST JRU

By: Miguel Caramoan

Shawn Umali bulldozed his way inside and led the College of Saint Benilde to a 76-66 victory over Jose Rizal University, keeping the Blazers’ hopes alive for a twice-to-beat advantage in the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Playoffs on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The final-year forward delivered a career-best performance in a Blazers jersey, finishing with 28 points on 11-of-16 shooting, 12 rebounds, and three blocks.

“I think we prepared more defensively. We were surprised that they didn’t go zone, so we took advantage and went to Shawn. He came to play today. He showed bully ball and showed why he is PBA material in the future,” said Benilde coach Charles Tiu about Umali.

The win was crucial for Benilde, who improved to 8-4 — just half a game behind Group B leaders San Beda Red Lions and a full game ahead of the Letran Knights in the race for the quarterfinals incentive. The Blazers will close out the group phase against EAC on Friday, while San Beda and Letran clash on the 23rd.

“This game means a little bit more for us than them because we want that twice-to-beat advantage,” Tiu added.

Trailing by a single point entering the final quarter, Benilde went on a decisive 10-0 run, sparked by baskets from Mowell Morales, Umali, Justine Sanchez, and Jhommel Ancheta. Late baskets from Umali and Sanchez, coupled with a stout defensive stand in the closing minutes, sealed the victory.

“I’m happy with our defense except in the first quarter, and we took care of the ball for once this season,” Tiu quipped.

Umali received strong support from the backcourt duo of Tony Ynot and Jhommel Ancheta. Ynot finished with 13 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, while Ancheta added 11 points and six boards.