Blazers lose another close game, this time to Stags

MANILA, Philippines – St. Benilde kept its reputation as the league's heartbreak kid as it blew another close contest, losing a painful 78-80 decision to San Sebastian to remain winless with five straight defeats in the 89th NCAA men's basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan Thursday.

It was another sad, disappointing finish for the Blazers, who led by four points in the last two minutes only to get shut down the rest of the way.

After Juan Taha and Jonathan Grey scored to erect St. Benilde a 78-74 lead, Bradwyn Guinto and Jon Kervin Ortuoste answered with back-to-back baskets of their own to knot the count at 78-all with 55 seconds to go.

The Blazers couldn't cash in on their opportunities from there while Fil-Am Leo de Vera drained two free throws off a foul from Grey with 31.5 ticks remaining that turned out the game-winners.

It was the Topex Robinson-mentored Stags' third win in five games to move into a tie at No. 4 with the Jose Rizal Bombers.

For their part, the Blazers, who brought in a brand new coach in Gabby Velasco this year with hopes of changing their fortunes, have lost all their first five assignments by not more than two points or a total losing margin of seven points and a losing average of 1.40 points a game.

Ortuoste ended up leading the way for the Stags with 23 points while CJ Perez and skipper Jovit dela Cruz added 17 and 12 points, respectively.