16 October 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
Manila, Philippines – College of St. Benilde banked on their shooting skills and heavy defense as they defeated Jose Rizal University, 84-68, in the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
Yankie Haruna and Unique Naboa led the Blazers in the third quarter as they knocked back-to-back baskets that ignited a 26-9 run to stretch their lead to 21 points, 67-46.
The Blazers never looked back as they cruised to another win in the tournament and improved to a 9-8 win-loss record and settled for fifth place in the team standings. However, they still await the decision of the league on their inquiry about the eligibility of fourth place University of Perpetual Help (11-6).
The Altas is currently under investigation after it has been reported that Edgar Charcos, Kyt Jimenez, Kim Aurin and Rey Peralta might have violated the league’s rules if it will be proven that they played in a commercial league.
If found guilty, Perpetual’s wins in the tournament will be vacated and St. Benilde will have a chance for a Final Four spot. CSB will try to defeat Final Four candidate Letran on Tuesday to end the season on a high note.
Haruna finished with a double-double record of 18 points and 17 rebounds on top of two assists and a steal, while Clement Leutcheu also had big numbers of 17 markers and 19 boards.
Carlo Young almost filled the stat sheets with 13 markers, four boards, two dimes and two steals, while Justin Gutang had 12 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
On the other hand, MJ Dela Virgen’s game-high 25 points was put to waste as the Heavy Bombers remain at the bottom with a 3-15 slate.
The Scores:
St. Benilde 84 – Haruna 18, Leutcheu 17, Young 13, Gutang 12, Naboa 8, Dixon 7, Carlos 6, Velasco 2, Nayve 1, Belgica 0, Pagulayan 0.
JRU 68 – Dela Virgen 25, Mendoza 12, Aguilar 12, Estrella 6, Padua 5, Esguerra 4, Bordon 2, Ramos 2, Silvarez 0, Mallari 0, Santos 0, Miranda 0, David 0.
Quarter scores: 16-15; 35-32; 67-46; 84-68.
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