Will Gozum by Saint Benilde Blazers. –Picture by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—College of St. Benilde cemented his bid for a two-beat record after defeating fellow Lyceum in the Final Four, 100-88, during the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament at the San Juan Arena on Friday .
At 12-4 with two games left, the Blazers needed one more win to claim at least one playoff spot to claim their prize money as the Pirates dropped to 12-6 to end their knockout campaign.
Letran and St. Benilde has the same record, followed by Lyceum and Letran, dealing 11-5 with two games left.
“For the most part I was happy before the last five minutes. It [the run] maybe it’s my fault because I tried to let some players play too early. I would have fired myself if we had lost that game,” coach Charles Tiu said.
Benilde took a comfortable 20-point lead in the fourth inning but the Pirates managed a final rally 18-5, capped by a three-point basket by JM Bravo to take the lead. down to seven, 95-88 .
However, the Pirates had to foul Oczon with 50.9 ticks left when he split his two free throws. The keeper, who finished with 18 points, was immediately fouled again on his next hold, where he sank both shots to end the game, 98-88.
Will Gozum scored a brace with 18 points and 11 rebounds for St. Benilde. Miguel Corteza and JC Cullar also contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively.
Enoch Valdez scored 18 points in a losing attempt while Shawn Umali had 17 along with four boards and five blocks. Bravo and Mac Guadaña also scored 15 and 10 for the Lyceum.
Scores:
CSB 100 — Oczon 18, Gozum 18, Corteza 13, Cullar 11, Lepalam 10, Nayve 8, Marcos 7, Sangco 7, Carlos 5, Davis 2, Flores 1, Pasturan 0, Cajucom 0, Sumabat 0, Dimayuga 0.
LPU 88 — Valdez 18, Umali 17, Bravo 15, Guadana 10, Montano 9, Cunanan 8, Navarro 5, Barba 5, Culanay 3, Larupay 0, Penafiel 0, Vinoya 0.
Rounds: 28-21, 49-40, 79-58, 100-88.
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