INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines - College of St. Benilde defeated Angeles University, 87-76, to spoil the latter’s NCAA debut at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Blazers led 40-33 after the first half but the Great Danes, who came all the way from Pampanga, managed to bring the game closer in the four period thru the efforts of Limmuel Manarang and crucial free throws by Aaron Santos.

CSB, however, managed to put some distance in the final two minutes to tally its first win in NCAA season 85. Angelo Montecastro topscored for the Blazers with 22 points while Chuck Dalanon added 18 points.

Blazers coach Richard Del Rosario acknowledged AUF’s efforts, saying it was never an easy game for them considering that AUF is just new in NCAA.

“They never gave up until the last minute and there were times that our team lost the control of the ball,” said Del Rosario adding that their team has to improve its composure and maturity to avoid just like what happened to their game, “gaining points yet earning fouls.”

Del Rosario also added that they would have to gear up in their face off with the shooters of Mapua Cardinals in July 3 (Friday) especially with Allan Mangahas, who was awarded rookie of the year last season.