NCAA: St. Benilde drops Perpetual to get to third spot

College of St. Benilde continued to show signs of progress after holding off University of Perpetual Help, 91-87, to start off the second round of the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament Thursday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Blazers climbed to the third spot of the standings with a 7-3 record, a huge improvement from their 4-14 finish in Season 93, while the Altas dropped to 5-5.

Yankie Haruna and Justin Gutang scored clutch baskets for CSB late in the game and scored a quick five-point swing for the Blazers.

Haruna was the first to hit to give the Blazers an 84-83 lead then Gutang hit a gut-wrenching three with 36.2 seconds left in the game for the 87-83 buffer.

Haruna led the Blazers with 19 points while James Pasturan added 17.

Prince Eze had 36 points, 17 rebounds, and five blocks for the Altas.