Clement Leutcheu and CSB prevnted JRU from releasing its pin to move back level. Rick Johnsen Dela Cruz/Dugout Philippines |
SAN JUAN -- Bouncing back from last week's defeat to San Beda, St. Benilde blasted Jose Rizal, 81-66 to get back on track in the 94th NCAA Men's Basketball tournament today at the FilOil-Flying V Centre.
A complete display by the Blazers propelled them back at .500 with an even 2-2 record, led by slotman Clement Leutcheu who fired a double double of 20 points and 14 rebounds, scoring all but two of his nine field goal attempts from inside the arc.
Benilde pulled away after a close opening period, leading by as much as 17 to send the Heavy Bombers further at the bottom of the pile, with Vergel Meneses still looking for his first win after being foiled again for the fifth time.
TY Tang, the Blazers mentor, said the win was much needed relief for them as they already set their sights on Thursday when they travel to Intramuros to face Letran away.
"It's about consistency," he said. "I don't think we played through that today. We had a lot of unforced turnovers, we weren't really execute well on our plays. But still it is a win."
The Scores:
ST. BENILDE 81 -- Leutcheu 20, Haruna 15, Dixon 10, Naboa 10, Pagulayan 8, Carlos 5, Barnes 4, Pasturan 3, Domingo 2, Gutang 2, Velasco 2, Nayve 0, Young 0.
JRU 66 -- Mendoza 16, Mallari 14, Miranda 8, Silvarez 6, Bordon 4, David 4, Padua 4, Ramos 4, Esguerra 3, Estrella 3, Aguilar 0.
Quarter scores: 16-15, 37-27, 58-45, 81-66.
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