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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider Blazers stamp class over Cardinals in decider, end nine-year NCAA men's title drought

Blazers stamp class over Cardinals in decider, end nine-year NCAA men's title drought

Published Apr 10, 2026 02:48 pm

At A Glance

  • College of Saint Benilde drew strength from its past setbacks to snap its nine-year NCAA title drought with a rousing 25-23, 25-18, 25-21 victory over Mapua in Game 3 of the Season 101 men's volleyball finals at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila on Friday, April 10.
After nine years, the CSB Blazing Spikers finally reign supreme in the NCAA Season 101 men's volleyball. (UAAP Media)
After nine years, the CSB Blazing Spikers finally reign supreme in the NCAA Season 101 men's volleyball. (UAAP Media)
College of Saint Benilde drew strength from its past setbacks to snap its nine-year NCAA title drought with a rousing 25-23, 25-18, 25-21 victory over Mapua in Game 3 of the Season 101 men’s volleyball finals at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila on Friday, April 10.
Despite the momentum on their side, the Blazing Spikers got off to a slow start – trailing 14-19 in the opening set – but recovered just in time with Raymart Betco and Rocky Motol orchestrating an 11-4 assault while exploiting the Cardinals' untimely errors to steal the opener.
From there, Benilde took over and outhustled Mapua in the next two frames despite several tight stretches, denying its opposition from a comeback, en route to its second overall title after winning its first way back in Season 92 or in 2017.
Mapua, meanwhile, remains on the bad end for 24 straight years.
Longtime mentor Arnold Laniog’s second crown as Benilde chief tactician became sweeter as he was also named as this year’s Coach of the Year.
“First of all thank you kay Lord, salamat sa Benilde sa community na sumupport samin dito… especially sa grupo na ‘to ‘di niyo alam na matagal ako sa Benilde naisipan ko magpahinga muna,” said Laniog. “But my heart says mag-stay ako, the only reason nag mag-stay.”
After averaging 30.8 points in the best-of-three finals series, Betco took home the Finals MVP award capped by his 17 points and six excellent digs, while Motol and Mike Balbacal chipped in 15 and nine points, respectively, for Benilde.
“Di ko iniexpect na makuha ‘tong award, ‘di ko to ini-expect pero thankful ako kay kuya Chris ‘yong setter namin, akala ko siya talaga,” said Betco, who erupted in their straight-set Game 2 win with 33 points to keep Benilde alive.
“Salamat sa teammates ko kasi pinapalakas nila loob ko kapag napanghihinaan ako o nagkakaerror sa court Sa loob ng court, ‘di ko iniisip ‘yong puntos, mas iniisip ko manalo,” he aded.
Dex Graniada and skipper John Austero added seven points apiece, while Chris Villanueva registered 30 excellent sets with one to lead the Blazing Spikers’ play.
Patrick Reyes and Arjay Ramos listed 11 apiece, while Barbie San Andres was limited to 10 in a losing cause.

Related Tags

CSB Blazing Spikers Mapua Cardinals NCAA Season 101 Reymark Betco
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