NCAA: CSB Blazers upset San Beda Red Lions

Despite the umbrella defense put up bu Ola Adeogujn of San Beda ,Jonathan Grey of St. Benilde mange to score in this play , at the San Juan Arena .
INQUIRER PHOTO/AUGUSTDELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines — College of St. Benilde pulled off the biggest upset so far in the NCAA Season 90 men’s basketball tournament after shocking defending champion San Beda, 83-76, Monday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The trio of Mark Romero, Paolo Taha and Jonathan Grey came through for the Blazers as they combined for 51 points with Romero leading the way with 20 points.

Romero fired 12 of his game-high output in the final frame.

Taha and Grey added 16 and 15 points, respectively, for the Blazers, who continued their resurgence with a third straight win after starting the season at 0-3.

The win marked CSB’s first over powerhouse San Beda, which is seeking its fifth championship, since 2008 when the Sam Ekwe-led Lions lost via forfeiture. It also dealt the Red Lions’ first loss after winning their first six games.

Playmaker Baser Amer led erstwhile unbeaten San Beda in scoring with 18 points while Nigerian center Ola Adeogun posted a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds.

The Blazers got ample scoring – matching the Lions’ offensive firepower but it was their defense which keyed in the upset win.

CSB’s pesky defense netted the team 23 turnover points off San Beda’s 22 errors.

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