MANILA, Philippines— Justin Gutang played efficient ball for 18 minutes in the final half and lifted the College of St.Benilde Blazers out of a hole with a 62-56 triumph over the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals on Tuesday in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament.
Yankie Haruna also delivered with 16 points for the Blazers, who finally tasted victory after a series of frustrating setbacks that left them in dire straits going into the final stretch of the second round.
Still, the Blazers remain in contention for a Final Four seeding after tying the Mapua Cardinals in the standings at 7-8 with three games to go.
Marwin Taywan attempted to resuscitate EAC’s bid, but bungled the opportunity in the face of the Blazers’ smothering defense.
Taywan launched a desperation three in the dying seconds that could have cut the deficit to a single possession only to be swatted away by Mark Sangco, who sealed the 13th defeat of the Generals in 16 games.
CSB 62—Haruna 16, Gutang 12, Dixon 7, Carlos 6, Nayve 6, Flores 5, Naboa 3, Belgica 2, Lim 2, Mosqueda 2, Sangco 1, Young 0.
EAC 56—Maguliano 12, Luciano 11, Taywan 11, Gurtiza 10, Mendoza 8, Boffa 2, De Guzman 2, Cadua 0, Carlos 0, Corilla 0, Dayrit 0, Estacio 0, Gonzales 0, Martin 0.
Quarters: 13-14, 31-32, 52-44, 62-56