By CARLO ANOLIN
College of St. Benilde drew big games from Will Gozum, Miguel Corteza, and Robi Nayve and blew past University of Perpetual Help, 81-64, to stay undefeated in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Blazers pulled away for good in the third after dropping a telling 32-10 run en route to their third straight win in as many games.
Gozum posted a double-double performance of 16 points and 12 rebounds, Corteza added 15 points, and seven rebounds while Nayve chipped in 12 points as the Blazers further firmed up their hold of the solo lead.
St. Benilde also played unselfish basketball as mirrored by its 23 assists, paving the way for the triumvirate to score in double-digits.
“We tried to just make some adjustments at the half, take a look at what could work for us,” said Blazers head coach Charles Tiu, who was not present in the team’s 100-94 win against San Sebastian last Sept. 16 due.
“I’m thankful that the players eventually made their shots so I give them the credit and they played much better in the third quarter.”
Gozum and Nayve scored seven points apiece in the Blazers’ 32-point explosion. As early as the second quarter, Gozum had already six points and nine rebounds while Corteza had 11 points and five rebounds at that point. The Altas slipped to 1-2.
Rey Barcuma paced the Altas with 14 points while Kim Aurin and Marcus Nitura had 13 and 12 points, respectively.
The scores:
CSB 81 ˗ Gozum 16, Corteza 15, Nayve 12, Marcos 7, Flores 7, Oczon 6, Pasturan 6, Cullar 2, Sangco 2, Dimayuga 2, Cajucom 2, Davis 2, Mara 2, Carlos 0, Lepalam 0.
PERPETUAL 64 ˗ Barcuma 14, Aurin 13, Nitura 12, Flores 8, Abis 6, Omega 4, Martel 3, Egan 2, Razon 2, Ferreras 0, Cuevas 0, Roque 0.
Quarters: 13-17, 33-32, 65-42, 81-64.