The College of Saint Benilde Blazers finally have a win to call their own, rallying back from 15 points down to turn back the skidding Mapua University Cardinals, 74-69, Tuesday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Prior to this game, the Blazers’ sole win had come due to a technicality against the Perpetual Altas last July 11. But after a gallant stand against the Letran Knights on the road, first year head coach TY Tang knew that a win was knocking on the door.
“I’m just super happy and super enthusiastic right now,” said Tang. “Tanggal lahat ng pagod. It’s been awhile since we won a game, it may be about nine or ten games,” the former PBA champion added, as the Blazers had also struggled during the pre-season.
With three of their big men on the sidelines, Clement Leutcheu and Edward Dixon doubled their efforts in this game. Leutcheu finished with a double-double with 14 points and 17 rebounds, while Dixon added 10 points and 10 rebounds.
But it was the career-high outing of JJ Domingo that proved to be the spark for the Blazers, setting a personal-high of 24 points on 10-for-14 shooting.
Down 56-41 with three minutes remaining in the third frame, the Blazers showed that they can play lockdown defense. Saint Benilde went on a 13-3 rally to start the final frame, gaining a 65-64 lead after an and-one play from Dixon.
Mapua were able to knot things up at 67-all, but Domingo and Rene Sta. Maria kept their composure, knocking down clutch baskets and free throws to hold off the Cardinals.
“It’s really the character that we’re trying to build up. We’re slowly getting there,” an emotional Tang reflected.
Christian Bunag led four Cardinals in double-figures with 13 points to go along with 14 rebounds. Andrew Estrella, JP Nieles, and Kim Magboo had 12 markers each.
CSB will next face the San Sebastian Golden Stags on Friday, August 11, at 2:00pm. Mapua, on the other hand, will have a tough assignment on the same day, taking on the San Beda Red Lions at 12:00nn.
The Scores:
CSB 74 – Domingo 24, Leutcheu 14, Young 13, Dixon 10, Sta. Maria 6, San Juan 4, Naboa 3, Castor 0, Suarez 0, Pili 0, Bunyi 0.
MU 69 – Bunag 13, Estrella 12, Nieles 12, Magboo 12, Raflores 7, Gabo 4, Victoria 4, Orquina 3, Aguirre 2.
Quarterscores: 13-12, 31-38, 52-61, 74-69.
