Blazers nab first Fr. Martin Cup Collegiate Open crown
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MANILA, Philippines — St. Benilde leaned on its steady freethrow shooting to subdue Perpetual Help-A Altas, 113-102, in overtime to bag the men’s division crown in the 10th , Fr. Martin Cup Collegiate Open basketball tournament.
Paolo Taha hit 25 points and Mark Romero added 18 for the Blazers, who were perfect on 12 tries from the line, as they bounced back from their bridesmaid finish to the San Beda last year.
“At least we’re seeing improvement. Now I can safely say that the boys are starting to gain confidence with their game. We can now take our game to the next level, and do better when the NCAA opens this June,” said Blazers coach Gabby Velasco.
Thompson powered the Altas with 33 points, while Cameroonian Akhuetie Bright chipped in 13 for the Altas.
Meanwhile, Lor Rivera fired 21 points for the University of Santo Tomas in its 78-69 win over La Salle for the crown in the women’s division.
The Chris Cantonjos-coached Tigresses claimed their second title since winning the Unigames last October.
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