NCAA: Blazers notch 1st win, send Knights to 1-4 mark

Paolo Taha of CSB INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — College of St. Benilde finally broke into the win column at the expense of struggling Letran, 85-71, in the NCAA Season 90 men’s basketball tournament Monday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Blazers rode on their veteran Paolo Taha in the pivotal third quarter as the Knights didn’t have answer to the bull-strong swingman.

Taha scored half of his personal season-best 24 points in that third period to help CSB chalk up its first victory after three losses in a row.

Mark Cruz, whose suspension was rescinded to just a warning, led the Knights with 16 points. But not even his presence could ultimately end Letran’s woes.

The Knights, whose head coach Caloy Garcia served a one-game ban after getting ejected last game against Jose Rizal University, slid further down the standings with a lowly 1-4 card.

Mark Romero and Jonathan Grey shot 12 and 11 points, respectively for St. Benilde.

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