COLLEGE of Saint Benilde logged its second three-game winning streak in the National Collegiate Athletic Association seniors basketball tournament with a 73-64 win over Mapua Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
“This is a great confidence booster for us because we wanted to prove that we can beat any team, especially those who’s been in the Finals or Final Four and I think it will help us in our upcoming two games,” said Miggy Corteza, who led the Blazers with 17 points and four rebounds.
The Blazers’ previous two opponents were no pushovers—San Beda and Jose Rizal University. They’re now 6-1 won-lost atop the standings.
Migs Oczon tallied 14 points, eight rebounds and two steals while Ladis Lepalam contributed 10 points and five rebounds for the Blazers.
Corteza was happy with his team’s balanced offense.
“I think everyone can score,” Corteza said. “Coach Charles (Tiu) also gives us the green light.”
The Cardinals, runners-up last season, stumbled to their eighth straight loss.
Mapua will wrap up its first round campaign against Emilio Aguinaldo College, which has a 0-6 record, in a duel of winless squads on Saturday.
Rence Nocum led the Cardinals with 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Warren Bonifacio had a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Arvin Gamboa chipped in 11 points and seven rebounds.
