College of St. Benilde flaunted its depth to open its NCAA Season 98 Men’s Basketball campaign, bludgeoning Lyceum of the Philippines University, 86-69, Sunday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Four Blazers finished in double figures led by Rob Nayve’s 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Joining Nayve in the Blazers’ scoring outburst were Miguel Oczon and JC Cullar. The former had 13 markers, two boards, four dimes, and two steals while the latter ended up with 12 points, five assists, and two rebounds.
Will Gozum also finished with a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds.
“Well, that’s one thing I’ve been always preaching to the guys. Every game I don’t know who’s gonna play well. I will go with whose playing well for me,” said Benilde head coach Charles Tiu. “It’s a better luxury to have na we’re a deeper team.”
With the game in the first 30 minutes of the game, the Blazers used a huge fourth-quarter boost, scoring 28 in the final canto to pull away from the Pirates.
Joshua Cajucom was able to give Benilde its biggest lead in the ball game at 17, 86-69 following a layup plus the harm.
JM Bravo led the Pirates with 12 points and five boards, while Enzo Navarro had a well-rounded performance with 11 markers, five rebounds, and seven assists.
Up next for Benilde is San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Friday at 3 PM, while Lyceum will take on Mapua University on Wednesday also at 3 PM. Both games will be held still at FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The Scores:
CSB 86 — Nayve 18, Oczon 13, Gozum 12, Cullar 12, Sangco 8, Pasturan 8, Corteza 8, Marcos 4, Cajucom 3, Carlos 0, Davis 0, Lepalam 0, Dimayuga 0, Flores 0, Lim 0.
LPU 69 –– Bravo 12, Navarro 11, Umali 10, Barba 9, Montano 9, Guadana 8, Valdez 7, Larupay 2, Penafiel 1, Cunanan 0.
Quarterscores: 18-25, 45-40, 58-55, 86-69.
