The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers bid farewell to their playoff run after falling short to the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, 74-83, in the FilOil EcoOil 15th Preseason Cup on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at the FilOil EcoOil Center, San Juan.
The Blazers started the game strong, putting forth a well-rounded effort in the first period powered by guards Miguel Oczon and Jimboy Pasturan. Benilde led early in the game, 13-8, heading into the short break. On the other side, the Green Archers, headed by guard Mark Nonoy, mounted a comeback following the timeout. The Archers finished the quarter with a four-point lead, 13-17.
The Green Archers continued to build on their lead after an early 7-2 run in the second quarter, forcing Benilde head coach Charles Tiu to call a timeout. The Blazers continued to struggle after the timeout, as they had no answer for opposing star forward Kevin Quiambao, despite the Green Archers pulling away, star forward Miguel Corteza put up a valiant effort to keep the game close for the Blazers, and the quarter ended with DLSU leading by 14, 28-42.
Determined to turn things around, the Blazers stormed back with a 10-4 run led by star forward Will Gozum and guard Pasturan. Following a quick timeout, Benilde continued to rally, led by their excellent team defense and efforts from Gozum, who scored 17 of his 26 total points in the quarter. Guards Ray Carlos and Robi Nayve hit a three-pointer each to cut the lead to five and close the quarter, 61-66.
The Blazers were eager to pull off an upset against the Green Archers, however, opposing team captain Evan Nelle and star guard Nonoy had other plans as they continued to pour in for the Green Archers to extend their lead.
The Blazers made one last push after consecutive three-pointers from Nayve and Oczon which reduced the deficit to four, 70-74. After a brief timeout, the Green Archers continued to make shots, guard Deschon Winston added the final nail to the coffin with a corner three. The Green Archers won the game by a score of 74-83.
Quiambao was named player of the game after dropping 18 points, five rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and two blocks. On the contrary, Gozum scored 26 points to lead the Blazers, followed by Corteza's 14 points.
The Benilde Blazers concluded their FilOil EcoOil 15th Preseason Cup run with a 5-3 win-loss record in the qualifying tournament.
Box Scores:
DLS-CSB (74): Gozum 26, Corteza 14, Carlos 9, Pasturan 9, Nayve 8, Oczon 6, Sangco 2, Cullar 0, Davis 0, Dimayuga 0, Flores 0, Lepalam 0, Mara 0, Marcos 0, Mosqueda 0, Serrano 0
DLSU (84): Quiambao 18, Phillips 10, Cortez 9, Nonoy 9, Austria 8, Manuel 8, Buensalida 6, Winston 5, Macalalag 4, Nelle 4, Phillips 2, Escandor 0, Estacio 0, Galman 0, Montecillo 0, Robinson 0
Quarter Scores: 13-17, 28-42, 61-66, 74-83
