NCAA: Blazers fend off Generals

CSB Blazers. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—College of St. Benilde held off Emilio Aguinaldo College, 69-66, to open its campaign in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

James Pasturan and Justin Gutang set the tone for the Blazers, combining for 22 of their 37 points in the first half.

Pasturan unleashed a game-high 19 points while Gutang added 17 points on top of 12 rebounds.

The Generals, though, battled back in the fourth quarter after trailing by 13 at the end of the third period.

EAC drew 18 points from JP Maguliano and 16 from Jethro Mendoza.

Maguliano, who also grabbed 14 rebounds, and Mendoza anchored the Generals’ rally as they outscored the Blazers, 14-12, in the final frame.

CSB pulled ahead early thanks to its outside shooting. The Blazers took a double-digit lead, 37-23, in the first half, where they buried seven 3-pointers.