Visiting Blazers torch host Cardinals
The College of St. Benilde (CSB) Blazers displayed nerves of steel playing in their enemy’s territory, upsetting host Mapua University, 71-67, in Season 95 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) On Tour on Thursday at the Mapua Gym in Intramuros, Manila.
Veterans Justin Gutang and Edward Dixon delivered in the closing minutes for the Blazers who notched their third straight win in as many games, joining defending champion San Beda University at the top of the standings.
“I like the way we played in terms of grit and grind all throughout the game,” said CSB head coach TY Tang, whose squad achieved its best start since 2005.
Gutang tallied a team-high 12 points including a crucial three-point play but suffered an injury toward the end of the game. Jimboy Pasturan and Cameroonian center Clement Leutcheu notched 11 markers each.
Carlo Young chipped in nine points while Dixon added an eight-marker, 11-board output in the Taft-based team’s victory.
Gutang completed an and-one play to cap the Blazers’ 23-11 run for a 69-62 lead with 36.2 seconds left in the game.
Mapua closed within 67-69 on Noah Lugo’s two free throws with 3.2 ticks remaining but Dixon’s two freebies secured the win for the visiting CSB.
Arvin Gamboa had 14 points while Lugo had 11 markers for the tough-luck Cardinals, who stayed winless in four outings.
Earlier in the juniors division, La Salle Greenhills thumped the struggling Mapua, 95-90.
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