Benilde back in NCAA Finals after two decades, slams door on San Beda

Will Gozum

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde made its return to the championship round after extending its mastery of San Beda University, 62-61, in the NCAA Season 98 Final Four on Tuesday. Migs Oczon led all scorers with 17 points, including a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw stripe, to pace the Blazers. Jimboy Pasturan added 16 markers while Will Gozum (193-C-1999) contributed a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. The Blazers last trooped to the Finals in 2002, where they fell to then champions San Sebastian College-Recoletos. The Blazers wasted no time in the first half, where they raced to a 12-point lead, 28-16, with three straight triples from Pasturan and Robi Nayve. They headed into the locker room at the half leading by just three, 34-31. It was the young guns who continued to pump life back to San Beda. Sophomores Jacob Cortez, Justine Sanchez, and Yukien Andrada (196-PF-2001) tried to keep the Red Lions in the game as they trailed by just six, 54-48, entering the payoff period. Cortez then made a big triple to open the fourth to before his bucket against the defense of Pasturan made it a two-point game, 56-54. Pasturan recovered, though, making a crucial basket that was followed by a Will Gozum layup that brought the Taft crew to a much-needed 60-54 cushion with 3:26 left. James Kwekuteye hit a big shot late in the game, knocking down a triple, 60-59, but Migs Oczon proved steady with his free throws for a 62-59 lead with 13.7 ticks remaining on the clock. Kwekuteye had two chances to tie the game but missed out on both, and Damie Cuntapay scored a putback with time running out. Cortez scored 13 points to lead San Beda while Kwekuteye added 11 markers as the Red Lions missed the NCAA Finals for a second straight season. It was the third win of Benilde over San Beda in Season 98, winning the first round matchup, 78-69, and taking an 82-73 win in the second round.
Courtesy of: gmanetwork.com

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