College of St. Benilde and San Beda launched their title bids in style, crushing their respective rivals in the second day of the Sportsclick AsiaBasket International Championship Tuesday at the MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Blazers of coach Charles Tiu whipped Sanzar Pharmaceuticals, 93-80, while the Lions demolished the BGC Builders, 105-82.
Benilde started to pull away late in the first quarter on the way to a 69-44 advantage midway through the third quarter.
Sanzar was able to trim the lead down in the fourth period, but that was when the outcome had already been settled.
Miggy Corteza led CSB with 16 points, two rebounds, and two assists, while Alaine Cajucom added 14 points, seven rebounds, and one assist of the game.
Prince Carlos tallied 13 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one steal, while Migs Oczon had 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists as a substitute.
Gab Cometa led the Red Lions with 21 points, one rebound, two assists, and one steal off the bench.
Jacob Cortez, son of former Philippine Basketball Association star Mike, added 19 points, three rebounds, four assists, and five steals.
In other games, Harimau Malaysia routed MFT Fruitmasters, 115-66, while MBC Kirin outlasted the Kuala Lumpur Aseel, 85-83, in an all-Malaysian battle.
