Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 2) – Robi Nayve hit the dagger in the last minute of the game to give the College of St. Benilde Blazers their second straight victory in NCAA Season 97 at the expense of the Arellano University Chiefs, 76-71, on Saturday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
With the game tied at 70 after returning Arellano frontcourt sensation Justin Arana nailed a putback in the last possession, Nayve got past a Will Gozum screen and shot the crucial three-pointer from the top of the key with 55 seconds left in the match.
“We’re tied at that time so I know that someone had to step up on the scoring column for us. I took that opportunity since my coaches trust me. I had no doubt in making that shot,” said Nayve, who finished with a game-high 19 points.
Benilde then fouled Arellano guard Troy Valencia in the next possession, but he split his free-throws for a 71-73 deficit.
Blazers playmaker Jethro Publico also split his charities in the next possession, but they extended their lead after JC Cullar got a crucial steal from their suffocating press defense and Publico completed the fastbreak.
Winning head coach Charles Tiu praised leadership displayed anew by Nayve – who notched 17 points in their first win of the season against Lyceum – as they improved their slate to 2-1.
“I really trusted Robi a lot. He really emerged as a leader, which I’m happy. He’s our best shooting guard right now,” Tiu said.
Gozum was also solid for Benilde with a double-double performance of 17 points and 15 rebounds.
The Chiefs – who dropped to 1-2 record – were led by Kobe Caballero with 15 points.
Benilde will face the EAC Generals on Tuesday at 3 p.m. while Arellano looks to snap their two-game losing skid against Perpetual Help on Wednesday at 3 p.m.
The Scores:
ST. BENILDE 76 – Nayve 19, Gozum 17, Corteza 10, Marcos 7, Benson 6, Publico 6, Carlos 5, Cullar 2, Lepalam 2, Flores 1, Davis 1, Tateishi 0, Sangco 0, Mosqueda 0, Lim 0.
ARELLANO 71 – Caballero 15, Arana 14, Doromal 12, Sablan 10, Steinl 9, Abastillas 4, Sta. Ana 3, Valencia 2, Oliva 2, Cruz 0, Talampas 0, Concepcion 0, Carandang 0.
Quarterscores: 14-11, 36-29, 58-54, 74-71
Arana – who surprisingly returned to action after a serious injury incurred in their opening game victory against San Sebastian – delivered 14 points and 11 rebounds.
