The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers overwhelmed the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals, 73-61, on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
The Blazers started the game waxing hot, a fast start headed by team captain JC Cullar and stalwart forward Will Gozum, each hitting a three-pointer to give the Taft squad the early lead. The Blazers’ defense also showed its promises as they limited the Generals to just 13 points in the first period. The quarter ended with the Blazers up by 11, 24-13.
Early in the second period, forward Miguel Corteza led the Blazers, shooting tough shots over his defenders and successfully converting and-one plays. Opposing stars Ralph Robin and Allen Liwag kept the game afloat for the Generals with consecutive baskets, including deep-range threes. By the end of the quarter, they trimmed the Blazers' lead to just four, 43-39.
The Generals, determined to take the lead, maintained their pace to begin the third quarter as Jp Maguiliano and Ralph Bajon kept EAC within striking distance. Despite the Generals' quick start, returning guard Miguel Oczon gave the Blazers an extra cushion with his three-pointer. Gozum also poured in points to end the third period, enabling the green and white squad to stay in the lead, 57-52.
Despite the Generals marching forward with all eyes on a win, the Blazers remained poised, led by Ray Carlos' six-to-nothing run, which included a three and conversion of an and-one play. Corteza continued to pour in for the Taft squad after nailing a mid-range jumper. After forcing the Generals into consecutive turnovers, the Blazers' defense sealed the victory, 73-61.
According to Corteza, after a grit and grind match against the Generals, “a win is a win, but we are not satisfied. Instead, every game is a learning step for us to reach our main goal, which is to reach the final four and hopefully eventually the championship.”
Three players scored double digits for the Blazers, headed by Corteza, who was named player of the game after chipping in 12 points, eight rebounds, and an assist. While the other two were Oczon and Gozum, who scored 14 and 12 points, respectively.
The Blazers will face the Mapua University Cardinals on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at the same venue, with a live telecast on NCAA Philippines’ Facebook and Youtube pages.
Box Scores:
DLS-CSB (73): Oczon 14, Corteza 12, Gozum 11, Carlos 9, Cullar 8, Pasturan 7, Nayve 6, Lepalam 2, Marcos 2, Sangco 2, Davis 0, Sumabat 0.
EAC (61): Robin 15, Liwag 15, Maguiliano 10, Bajon 4, Cosa 4, Doria 3, Tolentino 3, Umpad 3, Cosejo 2, Luciano 2, Balowa 0, Dominguez 0, Quinal 0.
Quarter Scores: 24-13, 43-39, 57-52, 73-61.
