The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers escaped the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers, 84-81, to extend their win streak to five in NCAA Season 99, on Nov. 7, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

A strong start from the Benilde front court duo of Miguel Corteza and Will Gozum paved the way for the early points of the ball game, 8-5. After the short intermission, Gozum continued his fine play to extend the Benilde lead to six, 14-8. The Heavy Bombers continued to keep the ball game close, however the Taft squad would slowly pull away after strong finishes by Gozum and Mark Sangco. The quarter ended with a 15-point lead, 27-12. 

JRU came out firing to open the second period, hitting back-to-back threes courtesy of Marwin Dionisio to cut the deficit to single digits, 27-18. The game was highly physical and heated throughout the period, although the Blazers headed by Gozum displayed championship poise to maintain the lead, 48-34. 

The third canto displayed more basketball and less altercations between both squads. It was all Heavy Bombers in the period. Joshua Guiab headed the offense of the Heavy Bombers to open the second half, knocking down a series of shots to keep the ball game close. JRU inched closer in the latter part of the period heading into the final frame, 62-59.

A foul-troubled Gozum turned things around for Benilde, towering and powering over the Heavy Bombers defense to extend the lead back up to six, 68-62. Miguel Oczon also poured in for the Taft squad by knocking down tough fall away shots over another, adding extra cushion to the Blazers’ lead, 73-62. The Heavy Bombers wouldn’t go down without a fight, after igniting another run to keep things close, 81-77. The Blazers will tighten up their guard to close things out and win the ball game, 84-81.

Gozum posted a season high of 27 points, 5 rebounds and two blocks, to gain player of the game honoraries. Corteza and Oczon also chipped in double figures scoring 18 and 14 points respectively.

The Benilde Blazers look to extend their win streak to six, as they face current second placer Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates on Nov. 10 at the same venue. The game will be available to watch live on NCAA Philippines’ Facebook and YouTube pages.

Box Scores:
DLS-CSB (84): Gozum 27, Corteza 18, Oczon 14, Nayve 9, Marcos 6, Arciaga 4, Sangco 4, Carlos 2, Cajucom 0, Mara 0, Turco 0

JRU (81): Guiam 23, Santos 14, Miranda 12, Dionisio 11, De Leon 7, Dela Rosa 5, Pabico 4, Argente 3, Medina 2, Sarmiento 0, Sy 0, Ramos 0