MANILA – College of St. Benilde Blazers wasted a lead as high as 18 points before escaping with a 77-73 victory over University of Perpetual Help Altas in NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball on Sunday night at the San Juan Arena.
Leading 48-30 early in the contest, the Blazers were stunned by a huge second half rally by the Altas to cut the deficit to 68-72 courtesy of a two-pointer by Jielo Razon with two minutes left.
Prince Carlos and Will Gozum saved the day for the Blazers as they converted crucial free throws with under a minute left as they secured the victory that improved them to 8-4 win-loss slate.
Carlos led the way for the Blazers with 19 points, Miguel Oczon chipped in 18 points, while reigning NCAA MVP Gozum also had a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.
“We are still short of our goal,” said Blazers head coach Charles Tiu. “We just have to focus on ourselves and take care of our business. We are far from where we want to be, but at least we are getting some wins. We need to play much better than this, though.”
Jun Roque finished with 30 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block, and six three-pointers, while Razon added 14 points, nine rebounds, and six assists as the Altas dropped to 4-7.
Meanwhile, Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers (8-4) cruised to a 79-74 victory over Arellano University Chiefs (2-9) as they stayed within the Final Four contention.
Patrick Ramos and Jonathan Medina led the Heavy Bombers in offense against the Chiefs, with Ry dela Rosa sealing the come-from-behind victory with two consecutive three-pointers in the endgame.
Medina scored 16 points, Ramos contributed 12 points off the bench, Dela Rosa notched 12 points, including three three-pointers, and Joshua Guiab recorded an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double.
San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags, on the other hand, cruised to a 75-67 upset victory over San Beda University Red Lions. Reggz Gabat top-scores for the Stags with 18 points./PN
