Blazers tame Great Danes

MANILA, Philippines – College of St. Benilde fouled up on the foul line but had enough firepower to fend off a pesky Angeles University Foundation, 87-76, and gain a share of the early lead in the 85th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

Arellano U outhustled Emilio Aguinaldo College in a duel of guest teams, posting an impressive 80-62 romp yesterday to gain a share of the early lead with opening day winners San Beda, Jose Rizal and San Sebastian.

St. Benilde drew 20 points from Angelo Montecastro while Chuck Dalanon, William Johnston and Jeff Morial added 18, 12 and 10 points, respectively, as the Blazers set out to improve on their sixth place finish last season.

Amel Fuentes scored 18 points and Limmuel Manarang, Matt Carney and Aaron Santos had 16, 11 and 11 points for the Great Danes, the other guest squad in a record 10-team field.

AUF actually beat St. Benilde, a regular member whose first and only title came nine years ago, in rebounds, hauling down 62 caroms as against its rival’s 52.

But it was on the foul line where the Blazers struggled, missing 23 of 42 free throws and enabling the Great Danes to stay close majority of the contest.

In the first half alone, the Blazers flubbed 14 of 26 foul throws and missed nine of the 16 they took in the fourth quarter.