MANILA – College of Saint Benilde Blazers tightened their hold on the top spot of the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball after an 80-65 rout of Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
Ian Torres provided spark off the bench, finishing with 16 points, two assists, two steals, and one rebound as the Blazers stayed on top with a 10-2 win-loss slate.
Allen Liwag poured in a double-double of 12 markers and 11 boards alongside three dimes and one swat, while Justine Sanchez tallied 10 markers for the Blazers.
“Kami naman we play every team the same way, that’s how we treat the NCAA, we respect every team. JRU is a good team, they’re always tough,” Blazers head coach Charles Tiu said after the match.
He added: “They always play every team close, they’ve had a few games na natalo lang sa dulo. So we wanted to make sure we have breathing room and just play our game,” he added.
Joshua Guiab paced the Heavy Bombers with 17 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals while Shawn Argente and MJ Raymundo chimed in with 14 and 13 markers each. They dropped to a 3-9 mark.
Meanwhile, Mapua University Cardinals overcame a tough stand by San Beda University Red Lions for a 58-55 escape in a rematch of NCAA Season 99 finalists.
Rookie Chris Hubilla stepped up offensively with 17 points to go with nine rebounds, while Marc Cuenco added 10 markers as the Cardinals improved to a 10-3 win-loss slate for solo second place.
Clint Escamis, the reigning NCAA MVP, struggled for the second straight game with seven points, on 3-of-15 shooting, to go with two assists, two steals, and a rebound for Mapua.
Ilonggo John Bryan Sajonia top-scored for the reigning champions Red Lions with 12 points, while Jomel Puno added 11 markers. They dropped to an 8-5 win-loss card./PN
