MANILA – The College of St. Benilde Blazers moved to a share of the top spot in the NCAA Season 95 men’s seniors basketball after a 75-63 win over the University of Perpetual Help Altas at the San Juan Arena.
Carlo Young led the way with 14 points on Tuesday night while Kendrix Belgica added 12 markers.
With the win, the Blazers joined defending champions San Beda University Red Lions and San Sebastian College Stags on top with a 2-0 slate.
Justin Gutang fell short of a triple-double with his nine points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists while Ilonggo Edward Dixon contributed eight points and 12 rebounds for the Blazers.
Trailing for most part of the opening half, the Blazers leaned on the exploits of Young and Belgica in the third period to outscore the Altas 23-8 and take a 49-41 edge heading into the fourth period.
But the Altas did not easily gave up. It was just down 55-61 with over four minutes left. Their aggressiveness, however, backfired with multiple fouls resulting in 15 free throws for the Blazers.
Jielo Razon finished with 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists while Kim Aurin contributed 12 points and five boards as the Altas dropped to 1-1 win-loss record.
Meanwhile, the Stags also cruised to its second straight lopsided victory this season as it pulverized Mapua University Cardinals, 92-68.
RK Ilagan top-scored with 20 points to go along with eight assists and four rebounds. Allyn Bulanadi had 16 points, five boards and two dimes for the Stags./PN
