San Beda Red Lions eye roaring comeback with Yukien Andrada
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Benilde fired up to end 25-Year title drought in NCAA Season 101
The Blazers know the sting of coming so close. Twice in the past three years, Benilde reached the NCAA finals only to see the title slip away.
Now, entering Season 101, their aim is not just to shake off regrets but to end a 25-year championship drought.
Central to that hope is MVP Allen Liwag, a force in the frontcourt whose leadership and production must anchor the team. This time, he brings reinforcement: Shawn Umali, SJ Moore, and Raffy Celis have committed themselves to the Blazers’ cause. Umali, a bruising presence from Lyceum, and Moore & Celis, both UAAP veterans, add depth, versatility, and fresh firepower.
Alongside them, holdovers Justine Sanchez, Tony Ynot, and Gab Cometa return to lend experience and continuity. The roster is further bolstered by Jhomel Ancheta, Joshua Cajucom, Anton Eusebio, Matthew Oli, Jericho Jalalon, and Ian Torres, as well as contributors Bonn Daja, Irele Galas, Jake Gaspay, Jio Gonzaga and John Morales—all part of the Blazers’ Redemption Lineup.
BENILDE BLAZERS
Last season, the Blazers went 14–4 in eliminations, then marched into the finals before being swept by Mapúa Cardinals in decisive fashion. That loss lingers, but Benilde is using it as fuel rather than weight.
Placed in Group B alongside heavyweights San Beda, Letran, Jose Rizal University, and Emilio Aguinaldo College, the Blazers know the new group-stage format offers little room for error, with only three teams advancing per bracket.
Their strategy hinges on the leadership of Liwag, who must set the tone inside, while newcomers like Umali, Moore, and Celis need to adapt quickly and provide steady contributions.
To contend, Benilde will rely on its depth, share the scoring load, and build on defensive toughness and rebounding to match up against bigger, more physical teams.
But their path won’t be easy: chemistry remains a question with multiple transfers coming in, and the weight of expectations, ending a long drought after two finals heartbreaks, adds another layer of pressure.
