De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde had to fend off a comeback attempt from University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to eke out a 77-73 win and extend its streak in the NCAA Season 99 on Sunday.
Thr Blazers have now won three games in a row to improve to 7-4 while the ALTAs could not sustain its momentum to fall to a 4-7 win-loss card.
The ALTAs threatened a fightback in the third period when Jun Roque and Jielo Razon joined forces to cut the deficit to just eight after being down by as much as 18 before that, 40-48.
The Benilde backcourt proved deadly with Joshua Cajucom, Prince Carlos, and Migs Oczon helping them reestablish a 55-43 cushion before the payoff period.
Razon and Roque continued to rally Perpetual as the veteran-sophomore duo trimmed the gap to six at 51-58. However, a 12-5 run instigated by Will Gozum saw the Blazers up by double digits again, 70-56.
Roque then steadily knocked down all three freebies after getting a foul against Miggy Corteza, 71-74, before Mark Sangco and Gozum iced the game with their freebies.
Carlos led the Blazers with a team-high 19 points on top of four rebounds and two assists while Oczon starred with 18 markers and one dime. Gozum also put together crucial numbers as he churned out a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds laced with two steals and one block.
Benilde spoiled Roque's 27-point outburst paired with 13 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
Both teams take a much-needed break before returning on Saturday with Benilde taking on Arellano University while Perpetual will be squaring off with Jose Rizal University.
Scores:
Benilde 77- Carlos 19, Oczon 18, Gozum 15, Corteza 7, Cajucom 6, Sangco 4, Turco 4, Marcos 2, Mara 2, Marasigan 0.
Perpetual 73- Roque 30, Ramon 14, Pagaran 11, Nitura 9, Abis 5, Omega 4, Barcuma 2, Ferreras 1, Gelsano 0, Boral 0, Orgo 0, Nunez 0, Sevilla 0.
Quarterscores: 20-14; 36-26; 45-43; 77-73.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
