The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers silenced the Arellano University (AU) Chiefs, 70-62, earlier today, August 17, securing their fifth win even without Clement Leutcheu after his one-game suspension.
Hot-handed Justin Gutang led the opening quarter, contributing 15 points, seven rebounds, and three assists overall. While AU Chief Maui Sera Josef capped in 11 points, the Chiefs failed to overcome the Blazers’ composure. As Gutang’s offensive maneuvers mounted the lead 10-6, the Blazers commanded the first quarter, 16-11.
In the second quarter, Rookie Blazer Prince Carlos let his presence be felt by finishing with 11 points. The Blazers’ firm defense did not allow the Chiefs to plum the second frame as Blazer Edward Dixon and Unique Naboa pitched in six points each, 32-27.
The third quarter just got hotter when Team Captain Yankie Haruna silenced the Chiefs by tallying nine points and nine rebounds. Blazer Kendrix Belgica finished with eight points, replacing Leutcheau as he accepts a one-game suspension after accumulating two technical fouls during their game against Emilio Aguinaldo College last Tuesday.
Wrapping the last quarter was a merge between Carlo Young and JJ Domingo, providing five points and eight points respectively. Meanwhile AU’s Michael Canete marked nine points but failed to best the boys in green and white, 70-62.
Now with a win-loss record of 5-3, the Blazers will face the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas on Friday, August 24, at the FilOil Flying V Centre, San Juan, the same venue as today’s game.
Box scores:
DLS-CSB 70: Gutang 15, Carlos 11, Haruna 9, Belgica 8, Domingo 8, Dixon 6, Naboa 6, Young 5, Pasturan 2
AU 62: Alcoriza 14, Sera Josef 11, Villoria 9, Canete 9, Alban 6, Segura 3, Codinera 3, Concepcion 2, Ongolo Ongolo 2, Santos 2, Sacramento 1
AU 62: Alcoriza 14, Sera Josef 11, Villoria 9, Canete 9, Alban 6, Segura 3, Codinera 3, Concepcion 2, Ongolo Ongolo 2, Santos 2, Sacramento 1, Dela Cruz 0, Bayla 0, Dela Torre 0
Quarter scores:
(16-11, 32-27, 51-46, 70-62)
Photos by Tim Lubid
