Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

2023 FIBA World Cup

SBP: Benilde stuns shorthanded La Salle in Gozum return


College of St. Benilde shook off De La Salle University’s second-half rally, winning 88-76, in the SBP Invitational Games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Wednesday.

Mainstays Migs Oczon and Miggy Corteza led the early onslaught as the Blazers cruised to a huge 33-16 advantage at the end of the opening quarter.

But through the efforts of EJ Gollena, Penny Estacio, and Raven Cortez, the Green Archers battled back to within five with 1:03 left in the third period.

However, Oczon, Corteza, and Will Gozum connived anew to open the final frame on a 12-4 blast to restore a 16-point Benilde lead with six minutes to go, 79-63.

Oczon shot lights out, going 6-of-9 from downtown to end up with a game-high 29 points to go with six rebounds and four assists.

Corteza and Zenrick Jarque contributed 17 points apiece while Gozum played his first game with the Blazers since announcing his return for a final year, finishing with six points in 14 minutes.

Meanwhile, the Green Archers were without top guns Kevin Quiambao, Evan Nelle, Mike Phillips, and Mark Nonoy among others.

Leading the way for La Salle was Gollena with 19 points, while Vhoris Marasigan made 16 points on 5-of-6 clop from the field. Cortez added 15 points and six rebounds.

The Invitational Games were organized as a test run for the upcoming World Cup to be held here in the country as well as in Japan and Indonesia.

All four games, two at the Pasay venue and two at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, feature UAAP teams going against NCAA squads.

#ReadMore  Stephanie Niemer takes over as Petron earns back-to-back Grand Prix crowns

The Scores:

Benilde 88 – Oczon 29, Corteza 17, Jarque 17, Carlos 8, Gozum 6, Marasigan 3, Turco 2, Mara 2, Arciaga 2, Jalalon 2, Sangco 0, Cajucom 0.

La Salle 76 – Gollena 19, Marasigan 16, Cortez 15, Phillips 9, Estacio 6, Agunanne 5, Gaspay 4, Buensalida 2, Jucom 0, Reyes 0, Alian 0, San Agustin 0.

Quarterscores: 33-16, 51-36, 67-59, 88-76.

Written By

Just a kid from Cavite trying to make a difference.




You May Also Like

AdU

It’s UAAP vs NCAA once again — this time at the 2025 Asiabasket International Invitational. UAAP representatives Adamson University and University of Santo Tomas...

Basketball

Strong Group-Philippines capped another impressive run in the 2025 William Jones Cup, sweeping all eight of its games to retain the crown and secure...

Basketball

Already assured of a second straight championship, Strong Group still brought the fireworks, trouncing the United Arab Emirates, 87-62, to complete a clean sweep...

Basketball

History was made in bold fashion as Strong Group Athletics etched its name in the record books, becoming the first Philippine team in the...

Basketball

Strong Group Athletics leaned on its championship poise to overcome a gritty challenge from Malaysia, 106–98, extending its unbeaten run to six games in...

Basketball

Strong Group Athletics rode a dominant first-half performance from Tajuan Agee to dismantle Chinese Taipei-White, 107-75, on Thursday evening in the 44th William Jones...

Basketball

Kiefer Ravena made an immediate impact in his return, steering Strong Group Athletics to a wire-to-wire 91–75 victory over Australia for their fourth straight...

Basketball

Despite being hobbled by injuries and illness, Strong Group Athletics continued its dominant run in the 44th William Jones Cup with an emphatic 81-54...

Advertisement