6 September 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
Manila, Philippines – College of St. Benilde toughened up their defenses against the streaking University of Perpetual Help and claimed a 91-87 win, Thursday in the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
Yankie Haruna and Justing Gutang made the crucial baskets in the end-game as they improved to third spot in the tournament behind No. 1 Lyceum of the Philippines University and San Beda University with a 7-3 slate.
Despite missing JJ Domingo, who suffered an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in a tune-up game last week, and Kendrix Belgica, who suffered a right ankle injury late in the third quarter, the Blazers rose up to the challenge and claimed their seventh win in the tournament.
With Prince Eze’s leadership, the Altas erased the Blazers’ 11-point lead in the game.
However, Haruna stopped streaking Eze and shot back-to-back baskets for the Blazers.
Haruna converted a go-ahead basket with 55 second left in the game, followed by a triple from Justin Gutang, 36 ticks left, 87-83.
Haruna finished with 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Gutang added 13 points, six boards, five assists and three steals.
James Pasturan chipped in 17 points, while Unique Naboa had 14 for the win.
Eze, on the other hand, dropped 36 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks, while Jelo Razon had 18.
Still attending to a knee injury, Edgar Charcos is still absent for the third straight game as Altas dropped to a 5-5 slate.
The Scores:
St. Benilde 91 – Haruna 19, Pasturan 17, Naboa 14, Gutang 13, Nayve 7, Young 7, Leutcheu 5, Belgica 4, Carlos 3, Velasco 2, Pagulayan 0.
Perpetual 87 – Eze 36, Razon 18, Peralta 8, Aurin 7, Cuevas 7, Coronel 6, Tamayo 3, Mangalino 2, Pasia 0.
Quarters: 17-20, 49-43, 68-62, 91-87
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