NCAA: CSB’s slim win over Lyceum creates 3-way tie on top of Group A

MANILA — College of Saint Benilde created a logjam at the top of Group A after beating Lyceum, 107-103, in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Friday at the San Andres Sports Complex.

The win hiked the Blazers’ record to 8-3, tying San Beda and Jose Rizal University for the No. 1 spot in their group.

John Morales led Saint Benilde with 18 points, five rebounds, and a steal.

“‘Yong tumatakbo lang sa isip ko is, ‘di kami pwede matalo sa game na ‘to. Sa standings, dikit dikit,” he said. “Inisip ko’ng kailangan ko bumalik at magcontribute kasi isa ako sa mga beterano dito.”

It was a hard-earned win for the Blazers, who saw their 23-point lead cut down to six as the Pirates made a late run in the fourth quarter, 99-93.

Matthew Jucom responded with a clutch triple to give them more separation, 102-93, with 1:16 to go, but Renz Villegas knocked down three free throws that kept them in the hunt. Unfortunately for the Pirates, they gave up another crucial triple to Ian Torres with just 49 seconds left for a 105-96 lead, and the Blazers held on from there.

Jucom waxed hot in the Benilde win with 23 points that went with seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. SJ Moore and Jhommel Ancheta also helped the cause with 18 and 17 markers, respectively.

Matthew Rubico scored 28 big points but to no avail as the Pirates slipped to a 4-7 card. Villegas also had 26 points in the defeat.

Earlier, the CSB Greenies improved to 8-3 after defeating winless Lyceum (0-11), 94-83.

The EAC Brigadiers (7-4) also squeaked past the Perpetual Help Junior Altas (8-3), 82-80.

Jaime Hizon and Josef Calo-oy exploded for 23 and 21 points in the Benilde win while Xyriel Macahipay had a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds in the EAC victory.

CSB 107 – Jucom 23, Morales 18, Moore 18, Ancheta 17, Sanchez 9, Gonzaga 8, Celis 4, Torres 4, Daja 2, Galas 2, Cajucom 2, Podador 0, Lorenzo 0

LPU 103 – Rubico 28, Villegas 26, Guadana 15, Aurigue 11, Penafiel 8, Daileg 7, Matienzo 4, Manuel 3, Nocum 2, Gordon 0, Cardinas 0, Pallingayan 0, Panelo 0, Almario 0, Fuentes 0

Quarter scores: 35-19, 67-51, 87-71, 107-103