CSB Blazers outgun Arellano Chiefs, bolster Final 4 bid

FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — College of St. Benilde boosted its Final Four chances following a 106-97 win over Arellano Saturday at the NCAA Season 90 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Swingman Paolo Taha led the Blazers, who grabbed solo fourth at 9-5, with an all-around effort of 27 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.

CSB skipper Mark Romero also stuffed the stat sheet with 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Arellano missed the services of its top playmaker Jiovani Jalalon, who was out with fever. Dioncee Holts doubled his efforts and came up with 31 points and 13 rebounds but not even his big game could give the Chiefs, who even led by as much as 15 points, the win.

Instead, Arellano lost its grip of the second spot as it slipped into a tie with Jose Rizal University with a 9-4 mark.