Blazers outlast Altas, clinch Fr. Martin Cup title

MANILA, Philippines -- The College of St. Benilde Blazers turned to the free throw line in the extra period and subdued the foul-troubled University of Perpetual Help-A Altas, 113-102, in overtime to clinch the men’s division crown in the 10th Fr. Martin Cup Collegiate Open basketball tournament last Saturday.

They went perfect with their attempts, converting 12 out of 12 tries in the extra five minutes to secure their first ever crown in their second attempt when the action finaly over at the St. Placid gymnasium in San Beda College-Mendiola campus in Manila.

Paolo Taha hit 25 points as the Blazers came up with a better than ever finish, and after bowing to the San Beda Red Lions last year.

Lor Rivera fired 21 points for the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, who outplayed the La Salle Lady Archers, 78-69, for the women’s crown in this cagefest which is supported by Twin Towers Bakery.

The Chris Cantonjos-coached Tigresses claimed their second title since winning the Unigames last October.

Things went downhill for the Altas immediately after Juneric Baloria picked up his fifth foul, a technical for excessive complaining,  in the last 4:47 of extra time.

With the count tied at 95-all in regulation, Raphael Nayve put the Blazers ahead on his three gift shots.

After Cameroonian cager Prince Eze missed an attempt in the return play for the Altas, the Blazers then took a five-point edge, 100-95,  off Jonathan Grey’s drive with 4:06 to go.

Grey, who had 10 points, then scored on six more attempts in the last 2:16, and this allowed the Blazers to gain a 10-point edge, 108-98.

“At least, ngayon, there is an improvement. Last year, we did not win it. Now, I can safely say that the boys are starting to gain confidence with their game. So, whatever happens, we can now take our game to the next level, and do better when the NCAA opens this June,” said Blazers coach Gabby Velasco.

The game went into overtime after Earl Thompson sank  a drive with 38.2 seconds to go 95-all.

The Blazers blew final chance to win it in regulation when RJ Argamino bungled an attempt and Eze missed a fastbreak attempt as time expired.

Thompson powered the Altas with 33 points, while Cameroonian Akhuetie Bright chipped in 13 for the Altas.

Commissioner Robert de la Rosa said the 20th Fr. Martin Summer Cup cagefest is next on top next month.

The scores:

Men’s finals

CSB 113-  Taha 25, Romero 18, Grey 16, Bartolo 9, Argamino 9, Letcheu 7, Jonsson 6, Nayve 5, Saavedra 5,  Altamirano 3, Flores 2, Ongpeco 2, Deles 2.

UPHSD-A 102- Thompson 33, Bright 13, Alano 11, Arboleda 10, Baloria 10, Elopre 9, Sadiwa 5, Eze 8, Bantayan 2,        

Quarterscores: 24-18, 48-38, 70-68, 95-all, 113-102.