The College of St. Benilde Blazers got their acts together in the last period and eked out an 89-69 smashing of the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates on Sunday in Day 2 the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 98 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Veteran Robi Nayve knocked in 18 points for the Blazers, who joined the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, and opening-day winners Arellano University and Mapua University in a tie for the early lead.
Earlier, Rey Barcuma unloaded a career-high 22 points for the Altas, who trounced the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 84-60.
Rookie Migs Oczon, a recruit from the National University Bullpups, debuted with 13 points and four assists for the Blazers, who banked on an 11-5 run in the last period to take control of the game.
JC Cullar added 12 points and five assists, while Will Gozum ended the game with a double-double showing of 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Gozum, a prized find from the University of the Philippines Integrated School, capped the Blazers’ big breakaway with two freebies in the last 5:38.
This widened a 58-55 lead to 11, 71-60, when the Blazers were done.
Coach Charles Tiu said the players made up for some bad plays and turnovers in the early part of the game, with their better showing in the fourth.
“It was frustrating to watch, and I could not understand why. Pero bumawi naman sila fourth. They made the plays that we needed to win the game,” said Tiu.
Meanwhile, Barcuma teamed up with veterans Kim Aurin and Jielo Razon in the Altas’ 28-point explosion in the third period, moving up by 15, 65-51 at the end of the third.
“They ran it properly, sumunod sa sistema. Sana ganyan kami lagi para maging competitive kami sa Season 98,” said Altas coach Myk Saguiguit.