MANILA – The College of St. Benilde Blazers rode on the career game of Will Gozum as they scored a 92-79 win over the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Gozum tallied a career-high 34 points to go with eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks as the Blazers notched its second straight win to stay on top of the standings with 9-2 slate.
Bacolodnon Miggy Corteza contributed 19 points and three rebounds, while Migs Oczon had a well-rounded performance of 12 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists for the Blazers.
It was a tight ball game in the first two quarters with the top-seed Blazers clinging to a 45-43 advantage against the Heavy Bombers behind the 23-point first half outburst of Gozum.
The Heavy Bombers even took a 51-48 lead in the second half behind back-to-back three-pointers by Ry dela Rosa before the Blazers turned things around with a 19-7 run to get a comfortable 67-58 lead, which went to as high as 14 at 82-68 in the fourth quarter.
“I am happy to escape with this win. It was a big game for us. They beat us last season for their only win. Now they are a different team, they’re much better,” said Blazers head coach Charles Tiu.
Dela Rosa finished with career-high 26 points to go with six rebounds, an assist and a steal, while John Amores added 19 markers and three boards as the Heavy Bombers dropped to 5-3.
Meanwhile, Arellano University Chiefs (5-6) avenged its narrow first round loss to Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates (8-4) with a 77-63 victory to keep its Final Four hopes alive.
Cade Flores was solid for the Chiefs with a career-high 23 points, 12 rebounds and season-best seven steals, while Axel Doromal chipped in 18 points, five boards and five assists.
JM Bravo and Renz Villegas led the Pirates with 12 points as their leading scorer Mac Guadaña was held to two points on a 1-of-8 shooting, way beyond his 12.82-point average this season.
BOX SCORE:
CSB 92 — Gozum 34, Corteza 13, Oczon 12, Pasturan 10, Sumabat 9, Sangco 4, Carlos 4, Cullar 2, Nayve 2, Mara 2, Flores 0, Dimayuga 0.
JRU 79 — Dela Rosa 26, Amores 19, Guiab 12, Medina 7, Miranda 6, Sy 4, Gonzales 3, Dionisio 2, Joson 0, De Jesus 0, Tan 0, Famaranco 0.
Quarterscores: 20-19, 45-43, 67-58, 92-79./PN
