College of St. Benilde’s Will Gozum towers over the Arellano defense for a basket.–NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—College of St. Benilde hiked its winning streak to four after defeating Arellano, 74-56, in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Saturday.
After a slow start to the season, the Blazers are now just a game behind league leaders Lyceum and Mapua for the top spot with an 8-4 record.
Will Gozum finished a rebound shy of a double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds while Migs Oczon and Miggy Corteza scored 11 points apiece for St. Benilde.
Lorenz Capulong registered a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Chiefs, who fell to 2-10.
But while Benilde bolstered its Final Four bid, Jose Rizal University slid to fifth following a 72-61 loss to Perpetual Help.
Art Roque finished with 17 points built on four triples to power the Altas to a 5-7 card. Christian Pagaran added 15 points for Perpetual Help.
The loss by the Heavy Bombers allowed San Beda (7-4) to rise to fourth place.
Joshua Guiab was the sole double-digit scorer for JRU with 10 points and 10 rebounds.