Jose Rizal U likewise stayed in the hunt, routing St. Benilde, 78-63, in the second game to tie Lyceum in fifth.
The Heavy Bombers broke away from a tight 40-35 halftime lead behind a 26-17 run to stretch their lead to 14 points at the onset of the fourth quarter.
JRU dominated the boards with 40 rebounds as against ST. Benilde’s 23.
The Blazers dropped to 5-9.
John Lopez scored six of his 10 points in the third period while Nate Matute added five of his 11 points in the same stretch to key the Bombers’ attack.
Juan Taha shot 14 points for the Blazers but was limited to just three markers in the third. Michael Pate took charge in the third, scoring 13 points but was held scoreless in the last period. – Joey Villar