Mark Sangco and Migs Oczon caught fire in the third quarter to steer De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to a 72-54 win against last season’s tormentor Colegio de San Juan de Letran and claim the solo third spot in the NCAA Season 99 on Sunday.
Sangco redeemed himself after a scoreless first half outing by firing three three-pointers in the penultimate period that allowed the Blazers to establish a 56-43 lead.
Sangco’s hot hands allowed the Taft crew to shrug off the absence of reigning MVP Will Gozum, who exited the game hurting in the 9:24 mark of the third.
Oczon, who was also held scoreless in the first two quarters, then put on the finishing kick for Benilde, burying three buckets from downtown in the fourth as Benilde’s lead ballooned to 18 at 72-54.
Letran could not find any answer as the Blazers bounced back from a previous loss to San Beda University.
Sangco tallied 13 points alongside three rebounds, two assists, and one steal while Oczon shone with 12 markers, seven boards, four dimes, and two swats. Miggy Corteza dropped 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists to carry Benilde to an elimination round sweep of the Knights.
The Blazers improved to 11-6 for solo third spot in the team standings while Letran absorbed their 15th loss in 17 games.
Benilde will look to clinch the third Final Four spot on Wednesday against Emilio Aguinaldo College while Letran will close out its campaign on Friday against San Beda University.
Scores:
Benilde 72- Corteza 13, Sangco 13, Oczon 12, Gozum 9, Nayve 8, Cajucom 5, Mara 4, Marcos 4, Carlos 2, Turco 2, Arciaga 0, Jarque 0, Davis 0, Marasigan 0.
Letran 54- Monje 18, Garupil 8, Cuajao 8, Javillonar 6, Batallier 5, Santos 4, Bojorcelo 3, Jumao-as 2, Bautista 0, Go 0, Ariar 0.
Quarterscores: 15-15; 35-33; 59-48; 72-54.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
