College of Saint Benilde is now one step closer to the coveted twice-to-beat advantage after prevailing over Arellano University, 73-63, on 20 November in the men’s basketball NCAA season 98 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Blazers now share an identical 13-4 win-loss record with defending champion Letran.
A win over San Beda University on 22 November will automatically give Benilde a twice-to-beat edge in the semi-finals, its first since 2002.
Miggy Corteza’s teardrop with two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter capped a 13-0 run for Benilde that turned a 70-69 lead to an 83-69 advantage.
Benilde head coach Charles Tiu said they had to play seriously against an Arellano side that wanted to be a spoiler in the standings.
He also rued the team’s 17 turnovers, but was nonetheless happy with the win.
“It was a big win for us. I would have liked to rest my players and manage their minutes. I’ll give credit to Arellano, they played like they had nothing to lose,” Tiu said.
Robi Nayve led the Blazers with 17 points while Mark Sangco had a double-double game of 11 markers and 13 rebounds.
Cade Flores had 17 points for Arellano, which dropped to a 7-10 card.
The scores:
SAINT BENILDE (83) — Nayve 17, Corteza 15, Sangco 11, Pasturan 10, Gozum 9, Oczon 6, Cullar 5, Lepalam 4, Carlos 3, Lim 3, Marcos 0, Mara 0, Davis 0.
ARELLANO (73) — Flores 17, Doromal 14, Mantua 11, Tolentino 10, Talampas 10, Mallari 8, Ongotan 3, Oliva 0, Abastillas 0, Oftana 0, Sunga 0.
QUARTERS: 24-24, 45-46, 64-59, 83-73.
