Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 9) – The College of St. Benilde Blazers notched their fourth straight win in NCAA Season 97 at the expense of the Perpetual Help Altas, 83-73, on Saturday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
Miggy Corteza had a breakout game with a double-double performance of 24 points and 11 rebounds, as CSB improved to 4-1.
The Blazers broke loose in the second quarter with an all-around team effort that brought them to a 22-point halftime lead, 46-24.
The Altas tried to stop their opponents’ shooting and defensive momentum in the second half, but CSB’s rhythm cannot be halted – with AJ Benson and Robi Nayve contributing to their scoring charge.
Benson finished with 16 points – including four triples – while Nayve logged 14 markers for their victory.
“We just kept trusting our system,” said Corteza, who played one year for La Salle before crossing to their sister school in Taft.
“Coach Charles (Tiu) just always tells us to stick to our defensive principles, play together. Put team first over personal agendas,” added Corteza, whose team is now at solo third in the standings.
Perpetual – which dropped to a 2-3 slate – was led by Jielo Razon with 23 points and six rebounds while Kim Aurin registered a double-double of 16 markers and 12 boards in a losing effort.
The Blazers will shoot for their fifth straight win against Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers on Tuesday while the Altas look to return to the winning track against the Mapua Cardinals on Wednesday at 3 p.m.
The Scores:
CSB 83 – Corteza 24, Benson 16, Nayve 14, Gozum 9, Carlos 9, Lim 5, Cullar 2, Marcos 2, Sangco 2, Davis 0, Lepalam 0, Flores 0.
PERPETUAL 73 – Razon 23, Aurin 16, Egan 12, Pagaran 8, Omega 5, Barcuma 5, Boral 4, Cuevas 0, Abis 0, Martel 0, Sevilla 0, Nunez 0.
Quarterscores: 21-15, 46-24, 63-52, 83-73
