Behind JJ Domingo’s inspired-outing, the College of Saint Benilde Blazers arrested their two-game skid, snapping the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals’ two-game winning streak, 84-71, Tuesday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Blazers, who last tasted a win back in July 31 against the JRU Heavy Bombers, are now 3-4 in the standings. EAC dropped to 2-5.
And no one was more relieved of the win other than second-year head coach TY Tang.
“Sa wakas, nabuhay,” expressed the youthful mentor. “Coming off this win, I hope we get some momentum going for our confidence level.
“It’s going to be very important when we face Arellano and Perpetual to close out the first round. We really need to get those wins to at least be in the middle of the pack,” he added.
The second fame saw the Blazers gain their form. With the Blazers leading just by two points early, they went on a 13-0 surge capped by a Unique Naboa three. The Blazers would lead by as much as 18 points in the third canto.
Domingo, a fourth-year guard, then bucked every rally the Generals were attempting, scoring eight of his 22 points in the final frame.
“We’ve been patiently waiting for this day to come. Finally, he got his confidence back. We are hoping that this will be the start of his breakout games,” Tang remarked.
However, midway through the final frame, Clement Leutcheu and Juju Bautista figured in a war of words after Leutcheu accidentally stepped on a fallen Hamadou Laminou. Leutcheu was ejected, finishing the game with nine points.
Yankie Haruna added 11 points. Everyone from the Blazers were able to score in the game.
Bautista had 17 points and 12 rebounds while Laminou added 13 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks.
Saint Benilde will next face the Arellano Chiefs on Friday, August 17 at 12:00nn. EAC, on the other hand, takes on the JRU Heavy Bombers later in the day at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Scores:
CSB 84 – Domingo 22, Haruna 11, Leutcheu 9, Gutang 9, Naboa 6, Dixon 6, Nayve 5, Begica 4, Pasturan 4, Young 3, Velasco 2, Barnes 2
EAC 71 – Bautista 17, Laminou 13, Tampoc 10, Garcia 9, Diego 5, Mendoza 5, Bugarin 5, Maguliano 4, Gonzales 2, Cadua 1, Natividad 0, Robin 0, Neri 0
Quarterscores: 18-20, 44-31, 61-49, 84-71
