INQUIRER file photo
MANILA, Philippines – St. Benilde dominated Lyceum of the Philippines, 78-71, to stay within its goal of making it to the next round in the Filoil Flying V Pre-season Cup at the Arena in San Juan.
The Blazers never gave an inch and led all throughout the game, with Carlo Lastimosa leading the way with 16 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
“Our concern has always been improving rebounding and assists, we have a better chance to compete,” said head coach Richard Del Rosario. “It’s a good follow up win.”
St. Benilde, though with a few let ups in the offensive boards, was simply more efficient than Lyceum in cleaning up the glass, 50-39.
The Pirates, who dropped to 1-7, wouldn’t allow the Blazers to turn the contest into a rout, but couldn’t come closer than seven points during the fourth quarter.
Shane Ko had 19 points, seven assists, four rebounds whole Floricel Guevarra added 18 markers for Lyceum, which shot only 33% from the field.
With a record of 3-4 – tied with JRU and Adamson – the Blazers are holding on to a fighting chance to make it to the top four in group B.