The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers outlasted the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Altas after a last quarter push to take the match, 71-62, today, May 18, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

The Taft squad went head-to-head against the Las Piñas squad in the first canto of the game as men in green and white exchanged points with the men in maroon and gold. Escaping by an inch, Benilde clinched the opener at 15-14. 

Led by familiar faces SJ Moore, Ian Torres, and Justin Sanchez, the Blazers had a comfortable cushion in the second quarter with a 14-point lead, 39-25. However, the Altas sought revenge in the third frame as LA Casinillo, Gelo Gelsano, Ray Maglupay, and Gojo Cruz slashed the lead to tie at 47-all.

The fourth quarter saw more action from Taft and big man Allen Liwag as they exhausted Perpetual’s built-up momentum from the previous frame. The Blazers held their ground and successfully clinched the match, 71-62, outlasting Perpetual in a close game.

Liwag was crowned the Heavy Duty Player of the Game with 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Meanwhile, Sanchez was named the Defensive Player of the Game.

Quarter Scores: 15-14, 39-25, 47-47, 71-62