De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and Jose Rizal University have had history after both teams got involved in an altercation less than a year ago in NCAA Season 98.
Former Heavy Bomber John Amores charged into the Blazers bench, which resulted in his indefinite suspension from the league and suspensions for several players from both squads.
On Friday, in their first meeting since that unfortunate incident, the two teams figured in another physical game with the Blazers needing extra period to escape their gutsy opponent and get the win, 93-85.
Benilde head coach Charles Tiu was the least surprised with the tough game from the Heavy Bombers, saying he expected it from a team whose game revolves on relentless defense.
"We know when we play JRU, it’s always physical. They’re a good team, they’re solid, and [Agem] Miranda was great," Tiu said in the post-game interview.
"It was expected and we weren’t really surprised. But of course, it still takes a while for us to adjust to the physicality. But I’m glad that at least we were able to show some toughness in times where we could’ve easily folded."
The Blazers leaned on reigning MVP Will Gozum, who opened the extra period with four straight points before Miggy Corteza put the nail in the coffin with a corner triple and three consecutive freebies.
Tiu, though, hopes sportsmanship always prevails in the league.
Early in the game, JL Delos Santos was caught elbowing Michael Mara's neck which the referees deemed as an unsportsmanlike foul against the JRU guard.
Gozum also fell down numerous times in the game while his teammate Chris Flores was stretchered off the court after hurting his right knee with 7:38 still left in the third period.
Two JRU players were also fouled out even before the overtime period with Marwin Dionisio and Ryan Arenal exiting the game with five fouls. Mark Sangco and Vince Sarmiento also had an altercation with 2:14 to go in the game, which eventually resulted in an ejection against Delos Santos.
Corteza and several JRU players then got tangled up in the final 23 ticks.
"I don’t know what they’re making a big fuss about. We were just competing. In the NCAA, we’re trying to teach sportsmanship to our players, win or lose, even if we're frustrated," Tiu added.
"We always try our best to respect our opponents. I can say we got lucky in the end, we had our chances, but it's a hard game for us. It's good to get the win."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
