MANILA, Philippines — St. Benilde banked on a strong start to turn back Jose Rizal U, 84-69, yesterday and keep its grip on the lead after the first round of NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
The Blazers had a magnificent start and made good use of an early 26-point lead in quashing the Bombers’ late rally.
CSB is at the helm at 7-2 entering the final half of the double-round elimination, but coach Charles Tiu felt they could have done even better.
“We could have been 9-0,” said Tiu.
After being a dominant force early, the Blazers went on a tailspin and suddenly played lackluster in their last two games. They suffered a stinging 73-71 defeat to Arellano U Friday.
In their last two gigs, the Blazers turned the ball over around 30 times on average.
At least on this one, they had only 18, 12 of which came in the second half.
“Still a lot to clean up and turnovers are our No. 1 concern,” said Tiu.
If there was silver lining on this, CSB is still up there on top.
“We’re happy that we’re No. 1, but obviously we would have wanted a bit more breathing room kasi dikit dikit lahat ng team and definitely we want to get the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four if we do make it,” he said.
Jhomel Ancheta was the man of the hour for this win with 17 points.