College of St. Benilde ended University of the East’s winning streak with a 72-63 victory in the 2022 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup, Sunday in San Juan City.
The win puts the Blazers at the fourth spot with 3-2, while the Red Warriors dropped to 2-4 still at the sixth spot.
Leading by just two, 44-42, at the half, CSB turned to its defense and limited the Red Warriors to just eight points in the third quarter. The lead extended to nine, 59-50, heading into the final quarter.
“At the half, I asked them to play a bit smarter, try to recognize what UE was doing to us, and just stay disciplined,” said CSB head coach Charles Tiu.
A JC Cullar trey pushed the Blazers’ lead to 12, 50-62, but Harvey Pagsanjan was able to cut the deficit to seven with two free throws, 59-66, with 5:46 remaining in the game.
With just 1:33 left in the contest, Miggy Corteza launched a booming step-back triple for a 72-59 advantage that eventually sealed the victory for CSB.
Will Gozum finished in with 16 points on 80-percent shooting in the paint, with seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Corteza produced 15 points, three blocks, and an assist.
Also, Robi Nayve and Jimboy Pasturan chipped in 11 points apiece, with Nayve contributing five rebounds and three assists while Pasturan added two rebounds and two assists.
Pagsanjan carried the Red Warriors with a game-high 24 points built on 7-of-20 shooting from the field, with three rebounds and two assists. CJ Payawal chimed in with 12 points, a rebound, and an assist.
Abdul Sawat topped UE on the boards with nine to go with four blocks.
The Blazers will look to keep their winning streak going against Emilio Aguinaldo College on August 9 at 9 a.m., while the Red Warriors will try to recover against Adamson University later that day at 3 p.m.
The Scores:
CSB 72 — Gozum 16, Corteza 15, Nayve 11, Pasturan 11, Cullar 8, Sangco 3, Flores 3, Marcos 2, Davis 2, Mara 1, Mosqueda 0, Dimayuga 0, Cajucom 0.
UE 63 — Pagsanjan 24, Payawal 12, N. Paranada 5, Beltran 4, K. Paranada 4, Remogat 4, Lorenzana 3, Alcantara 3, Sawat 2, Tulabut 2, Antiporda 0, Abatayo 0, Lingo-Lingo 0.
Quarterscores: 27-21, 44-42, 59-50, 72-63.
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The entire 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup will stream LIVE on Smart Sports Facebook page
