Games today:
(FilOil EcoOil Centre)
9:30 a.m. — Arellano vs San Sebastian
3 p.m. — Lyceum vs Perpetual
Title favorite College of Saint Benilde needed an extra five minutes to repulse Jose Rizal University, 93-85, to score its first win in Season 99 National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Blazers had to dig deep in overtime to get the job done, banking on an 8-2 spurt that settled the issue once and for all, 89-81, with 33.4 ticks left.
In getting the “W,” Saint Benilde went to Most Valuable Player Will Gozum, who banged in 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, enabling the Taft-based team to improve to 1-1 win-loss card.
But it was Miggy Corteza, who led the way with 21 points, including a corner triple that gave the Blazers a comfy lead going into twilight time.
Robi Nayve chipped in 16 points.
The Blazers also outscored the Bombers, 42-32, from players who came off the bench.
Agem Miranda’s career-high 31 points went down the drain for the Heavy Bombers.
Saint Benilde head coach Charles Tiu lauded his wards for keeping their composure despite the tight defense shown by JRU.
“We already knew when we play JRU, it’s always physical. They’re a good team, they’re solid, and Miranda was great,” Tiu said.
