Rookie Guard Leads Benilde to Statement San Beda Win

Matthew Jucom announced himself in NCAA basketball with 18 points during his collegiate debut for College of Saint Benilde. The rookie helped the Blazers defeat defending champion San Beda, 77-68, despite playing without reigning MVP Allen Liwag.

Jucom Delivers Immediate Impact for Benilde

Paolo Ambat of One Sports detailed Jucom’s impressive debut during Benilde’s NCAA Season 102 opener at Mall of Asia Arena. The rookie supplied 18 points and six rebounds, giving the Blazers significant production against the league’s defending champions.

Jucom’s contribution became more valuable because Liwag remained sidelined after undergoing surgery for an offseason leg injury. Instead of relying exclusively on established players, Benilde received immediate production from a newcomer facing San Beda in his collegiate debut.

“Na-excite ako kasi first game ko and maganda agad ‘yung pinakita ko. Ginawa ko lang ‘yung trabaho ko and naniwala lang ako sa sistema ng mga coaches,” Jucom said.

Image from: SPIN.ph

Rookie Trusts Benilde System Against Champions

Jucom’s willingness to follow Benilde’s structure gave his scoring performance additional significance beyond an impressive individual debut. Young players who maintain sound decisions can earn greater responsibilities as opponents begin adjusting throughout a lengthy collegiate season.

Ancheta Takes Control During Closing Minutes

Jhomel Ancheta led Benilde with 19 points while delivering several important baskets during a tightly contested fourth quarter. His three-pointer gave the Blazers a 68-64 advantage before San Beda immediately responded to remain within striking distance.

Ancheta later converted a transition layup for a 72-66 lead with 31.9 seconds remaining, strengthening Benilde’s control. Jucom and Ancheta combined for 37 points, providing nearly half the Blazers’ offense without their reigning Most Valuable Player.

Jucom and Ancheta Share Benilde Scoring Load

• Jhomel Ancheta: Scored a team-high 19 points while producing important baskets during Benilde’s decisive fourth-quarter stretch.
• Matthew Jucom: Added 18 points and six rebounds during an impressive first appearance in NCAA seniors basketball.
• Combined production: Ancheta and Jucom contributed 37 of Benilde’s 77 points while Allen Liwag remained unavailable.
• Irele Galas: Added 12 points and six rebounds, providing another productive performance during the Blazers’ opening victory.
• Raffy Celis: Finished with 11 points and contributed important late free throws before Benilde completed the win.

Benilde Answers San Beda After Season 101 Exit

San Beda entered the matchup after controlling four of five meetings against Benilde during the previous NCAA campaign. The Red Lions eventually eliminated the Blazers from Season 101 before completing their championship run and entering Season 102 as titleholders.

Benilde’s opening victory therefore carried additional context, although one result cannot determine either team’s trajectory across the entire season. Head coach Paolo Layug emphasized continued development rather than treating an opening-day win as evidence his team had reached its ceiling.

“It’s always good to win and beat a good team. But we’re very far from where we want to be. Our peformance is still not our very best,” Layug admitted.

Layug Keeps Blazers Grounded After Upset

Layug’s assessment places greater importance on whether Benilde can reproduce its execution throughout the demanding Season 102 schedule. Maintaining multiple scoring options should become especially important while Liwag continues recovering and younger contributors settle into larger competitive roles.

Torculas Gives San Beda Productive NCAA Debut

Aldous Torculas provided an encouraging individual performance for San Beda, finishing his NCAA debut with 19 points and seven rebounds. His production helped the Red Lions remain competitive before Benilde created separation during the closing stages of the fourth quarter.

San Beda also played without Nygel Gonzales and Jomel Puno, leaving both teams without important pieces during opening day. The defending champions now need sharper late-game execution after Benilde generated enough decisive possessions to secure the nine-point victory.

Red Lions Face Early Late-Game Questions

Torculas’ debut gives San Beda another scoring option, but the opening defeat exposed areas requiring improvement during decisive possessions. Better defensive execution and stronger responses after opponent baskets could help the Red Lions regain control during similarly tight games.

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Benilde Depth Creates New Season 102 Possibilities

Winning without Liwag demonstrated that Benilde can generate offense through several contributors while its most decorated player remains unavailable. Jucom’s emergence adds another rotation possibility, although future opponents will increasingly prepare for his tendencies after studying additional NCAA film.

Sustaining meaningful production will require Jucom to maintain efficiency while improving defensively and adjusting when opponents challenge his preferred actions. Benilde faces Lyceum next, while San Beda meets JRU as both teams continue their Season 102 group campaigns.

Next Games Test Opening-Day Performances

• Benilde vs. Lyceum: The Blazers continue their campaign against the Pirates on September 17 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
• San Beda vs. JRU: The defending champions face the Heavy Bombers on September 18 at the same San Juan venue.
• Benilde’s priority: Reproduce the balanced scoring and late-game execution that carried the Blazers past the defending champions.
• San Beda’s priority: Build around Torculas’ productive debut while improving execution during close fourth-quarter possessions.

Analytical Breakdown: Another Weapon for Benilde

Jucom’s 18-point debut showed valuable scoring confidence, but trusting Benilde’s system against San Beda made his performance more encouraging. Ancheta’s closing execution also demonstrated Benilde’s growing depth, especially when the Blazers needed reliable production without Allen Liwag. If Jucom maintains efficiency after opponents adjust, his emergence could give Benilde another dependable weapon throughout NCAA Season 102.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points did Matthew Jucom score against San Beda?

Matthew Jucom scored 18 points during his NCAA debut as Benilde defeated defending champion San Beda, 77-68.

Who led Benilde in scoring against San Beda?

Jhomel Ancheta scored a team-high 19 points, while rookie Matthew Jucom followed closely with 18 for the Blazers.

Did Allen Liwag play against San Beda?

No, reigning NCAA MVP Allen Liwag remained unavailable while recovering from surgery following an offseason leg injury.

How did Aldous Torculas perform for San Beda?

Aldous Torculas delivered 19 points and seven rebounds during his NCAA debut despite San Beda losing its opener.

Who does Benilde play next?

Benilde next faces Lyceum on September 17 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre during its NCAA Season 102 campaign.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from SPIN.ph.