By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
ST. BENILDE Blazers survived a resilient Mapua Cardinals, 71-67, to remain undefeated in the NCAA Men’s basketball on July 25, 2019 at the Mapua Gym in Intramuros.
The Blazers notched their third win in as much games thanks to the heroics of Ilonggo Edward Dixon, an alumnus of PAREF Westbridge School in Iloilo City.
In the 2:20 mark of the final canto, Mapua Stalwart Noah Lugo splashed a clutch three-pointer to keep the Cardinals within striking distance, 62-59.
Dixon answered with two crucial dimes to give the Blazers a comfortable cushion with under 40 seconds left in the game, 68-62.
Dixon applied the finishing touches to the game by sinking two free throws.
Blazers’ high flying star Justin Gutang left the game due to a banged right leg and sore left knee.
Still, Gutang led the Blazers with 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 dimes.
Arvin Gamboa led all Mapua scorers with 14. His team remains winless in the tournament.
Scores:
CSB – Gutang 12, Pasturan 11, Leutcheu 11, Young 9, Dixon 8, Belgica 8, Naboa 4, Flores 4, Carlos 2
Mapua – Gamboa 14, Lugo 11, Victoria 9, Nocum 7, Bonifacio 6, Bunag 6, Salenga 4, Gonzales 4
