This time around, the College of St. Benilde Blazers made sure they beat the University of Perpetual Help convincingly, as they smashed the Altas, 83-58, on Friday afternoon at the Arena in San Juan.
Edward Dixon struck with 21 points for the Blazers as they went on to claim their third triumph in 12 outings in the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.
“We wanted to make sure that we’ll win convincingly. So, we played good basketball today,” said Blazers coach TY Tang.
Dixon combined for 17 points in the first period with Carlo Young, who just returned from a one-game suspension.
Their big game in the first 10 minutes allowed the Blazers to grab a 25-9 edge before the second period started.
The Blazers limited Altas veteran Keith Pido, who made nine points, and hit four in the second period.
With the Altas held to 35.9 percent on their field goals, the Blazers went on to establish a 47-23 halftime spread.
Clement Lentcheu and Young added 14 points for the Blazers cause.
The last time they met, the College of St. Benilde won by forfeiture over the University of Perpetual Help Altas.
They lost on the court, but the win was awarded the CSB Blazers following a protest after the Altas showed up with the wrong set of uniform.