MANILA — Powerhouse College of Saint Benilde (CSB) extended its winning streak to three after a clinical win over University of Perpetual Help System, 81-64, in Tuesday’s action in the 98th Season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s Basketball Tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

CSB’s star forward Will Gozum tallied 16 big points plus 12 rebounds to lead his team as the Blazers now remains the only undefeated team in the standings.

His teammate Miguel Corteza added 15 points in just 13 minutes of action, going 5-of-7 from the field.

“I give credit to the players because sa first half, our shots ‘just weren’t falling but they stuck with what we wanted, and eventually pumasok din,” CSB head coach Charles Tiu said as he beamed with pride to describe his wards’ big-third quarter run.

The Altas dropped to 1-2 in the season with their second straight defeat.

In the second game, the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates brushed off a stubborn Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) squad, 74-67, to earn a share of second place with the Arellano University Chiefs with a 3-1 win-loss card.

McLaude Guadana and Alvin Penafiel starred for the Pirates with 12 markers each in their team’s domination of the Generals. Veteran point guard Enzo Navarro also contributed 10 points for the well-earned victory.

With the loss, EAC slid to the bottom with a 0-4 score card. They are the lone winless team in the tournament that is now led by Saint Benilde.

The scores:

CSB (81)

Gozum 16, Corteza 15, Nayve 12, Marcos 7, Flores 7, Oczon 6, Pasturan 6, Cullar 2, Sangco 2, Dimayuga 2, Cajucom 2, Davis 2, Mara 2, Carlos 0, Lepalam 0.

Perpetual Help (64)

Barcuma 14, Aurin 13, Nitura 12, Flores 8, Abis 6, Omega 4, Martel 3, Egan 2, Razon 2, Ferreras 0, Cuevas 0, Roque 0.

Quarterscores: 13-17, 33-32, 65-42, 81-64.

Lyceum (74)

Guadana 12, Penafiel 12, Navarro 10, Barba 9, Montano 8, Bravo 6, Valdez 4, Villegas 4, Cunanan 3, Omandac 3, Umali 2, Larupay 1, Aviles 0.

Emilio Aguinaldo (67)

Liwag 18, Cosejo 15, Luciano 11, Ad. Doria 8, Robin 4, Quinal 3, An. Doria 3, Cosa 2, Dominguez 2, Bajon 1, Gurtiza 0, Tolentino 0, Balowa 0.

Quarterscores: 12-12, 34-35, 57-49, 74-67.

De La Salle-College of St. Benilde trounced a listless Perpetual Help in Tuesday’s game to remain undefeated in the 98th Season of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. (Photo courtesy of GMA Network)