The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers blew past the Mapúa University (MU) Cardinals, 73-64, to log their sixth win in #NCAASeason98 today, Oct. 5, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Dropping six points during the game's first four minutes, big man Ladis Lepalam ignored the early match jitters and swanked the arena with his sneaky dashes to the basket that powered the Blazers to coast an early four-point advantage, 8-4. Despite inconsistencies with the offense, the Taft squad maintained the pace until the last minute of the game, thanks to the easily-shaken defense and free throw opportunities from the Cardinals, 18-11.

With the fire that broke out regarding Mapúa’s recent match that forfeited their lone win, their desire to erase a winless record echoed in the court as they swiftly snatched the lead with six consecutive points, 18-19. Despite controlled turnovers and improved offensive force from the opposing squad, the Blazers managed to keep the Cardinals at bay and forced a nip and tuck affair to end the second quarter, 29-29.

A tale of two Miguels ended the neck-and-neck battle that resumed in the third quarter as Miguel Corteza and Miguel Oczon dismissed the defenders of Mapúa at full tilt and slashed their way through the basket, firing seven and five points, including a three-point basket from both players to drop the largest lead of the game, 53-42.

The fluid system of Benilde controlled the final quarter as they continued to pull away. With team captain JC Cullar leading the stout defense of the Taft squad, the Cardinals could no longer catch up to the men in green and white as the latter soared to their sixth victory of the season, 73-64.

Corteza anchored his region down the stretch as he tallied 17 points with four rebounds, while Oczon and Lepalam chipped in 14 and 10 points, respectively.

The Blazers will face the San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions on Wednesday, Oct. 11,  at the same venue, with a live telecast on NCAA Philippines’ Facebook and Youtube pages.

Box Scores:

DLS-CSB (73): Corteza 17, Oczon 14, Lepalam 10, Sangco 8, Gozum 8, Nayve 6, Carlos 4, Pasturan 3, Cullar 3, Marcos 0, Flores 0

MU (64): Nocum 15, Bonifacio 14, Gamboa 11, Salenga 7, Lacap 6, Pido 5, Garcia 4, Hernandez 2, Soriano 0, Agustin 0, Parinas 0

Quarter Scores: 18-11, 29-29, 60-42, 71