30 August 2019
By Maxine Louise Lagman
MANILA, Philippines – Rising up from back-to-back losses, College of St. Benilde rose up from a depressing slumber and fended off Jose Rizal University, 74-66, Friday in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
The Blazers were in full command of the game, despite the absence of head coach TY Tang, who was serving a one-game suspension, along with veteran Jimboy Pasturan due to a dislocated shoulder.
JRU threatened to make a comeback in the final period, 62-67, with only 46.3 seconds remaining in the game. But, Justin Gutang, Prince Carlos, Edward Dixon, and Yankie Haruna all made the most out of their time at the free throw line to nab the win easily.
“We were in control for the most part of the game. They were very physical, but we’re lucky we’re able to pull off the win,” acting coach Charles Tiu said after the game.
This win hopefully gives CSB the confidence they need before heading towards their last opponent to end the first round, Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
“We’re dreaming of a top two spot and if we beat Letran, we will be number 2 to end the first round,” Tiu added as Letran is their playoff competitor.
Gutang topped the Blazers with 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Carlo Young wound up with his best game yet, adding 13 markers in the win. Dixon and Harunacombined for 19 points as CSB improved to a 6-2 win-loss record.
On the other hand Agem Miranda’s 20-point finish was put to waste as the Heavy Bombers dropped to a 3-6 slate to end the first round of the tournament.
The Scores:
CSB 74 – Gutang 14, Young 13, Dixon 10, Haruna 9, Belgica 6, Naboa 5, Nayve 5, Leutcheu 4, Carlos 4, Flores 4, Sangco 0
JRU 66 – Miranda 20, Amores 14, Dionisio 13, Delos Santos 6, Arenal 6, Aguilar 4, Dela Rosa 3, Jungco 0, Macatangay 0
Quarter scores: 17-12, 28-29, 46-41, 74-66
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