NCAA: Benilde boosts Final Four bid, Lyceum gets twice-to-beat

College of St. Benilde’s Miggy Corteza floats it against Letran.-NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—College of St. Benilde bolstered its Final Four hopes after dominating rival Letran, 72-54, at San Juan Arena on Sunday.

The Blazers remained in third place with an 11-6 record, gaining a half-game lead over fourth-running San Beda (10-6).

Miggy Corteza and Mark Sangco finished with 13 points a piece for Benilde while Migs Oczon sank four baskets from deep for 12 points.

Kobe Monje was the sole double-digit scorer for the Knights with a near double-double of 18 points and nine rebounds.

Lyceum, meanwhile, claimed the last twice-to-beat incentive after trouncing Arellano, 98-86.

The Pirates, who improved to 13-4, never trailed and led by as many as 17.

Mclaude Guadaña and John Barba powered Lyceum with 17 points each. Shawn Umali scored 15 while Enoch Valdez tallied a double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds.

Jade Talampas’ 20-point outing was put to waste alongside Lorenz Capulong’s 17 for the Chiefs, who ended the season with a five-game losing skid and a 2-16 card.