Will Gozum and College of St. Benilde welcomed Jose Rizal University back by giving them a 92-79 beatdown in the NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Heavy Bombers had been out of the league since October 8 due to health and safety protocols. Gozum
Gozum had his career-high this game with 34 points together with eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
It was a tight ball game in the first half with the Blazers holding onto just a two-point, 45-43 advantage while Gozum carried more than half of their offensive load, outscoring his team, 23 to 22.
It was at the halfway point of the second half however when Benilde started to turn things around.
Down by three, 51-48 after a Ry Dela Rosa back-to-back three, the Blazers rallied a 19-7 run to get a comfortable 67-58 lead entering the final period.
Benilde was able to take care of its lead that went to as high as 14, 82-68 after a Gozum basket right before entering the halfway mark of the final quarter.
“I am happy to escape with this win. It was a big game for us. They beat us last season for their only win. Now they are a different team, they’re much better,” said CSB head coach Charles Tiu.
Joining the scoring barrage for Benilde was Miggy Corteza with 19 points and three rebounds and Migs Oczon with a well-rounded 12 points, 10 boards, and five dimes.
The Blazers win spoiled Dela Rosa’s career outing who scored 26 points on an efficient 10-for-16 shooting together with six rebounds, an assist and a steal.
Also for the Heavy Bombers, John Amores finished with 19 markers and three boards.
The Blazers rose to 9-2 to keep their lead from the pack. The Heavy Bombers, on the other hand, dropped to a 5-3 win-loss record.
Benilde will be back on Saturday against San Beda University at 3 PM, while JRU will take on San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Friday at the same time.
The Scores:
CSB 92 — Gozum 34, Corteza 13, Oczon 12, Pasturan 10, Sumabat 9, Sangco 4, Carlos 4, Cullar 2, Nayve 2, Mara 2, Flores 0, Dimayuga 0.
JRU 79 — Dela Rosa 26, Amores 19, Guiab 12, Medina 7, Miranda 6, Sy 4, Gonzales 3, Dionisio 2, Joson 0, De Jesus 0, Tan 0, Famaranco 0.
Quarterscores: 20-19, 45-43, 67-58, 92-79.
