Jucom, Morales lead Blazers over Pirates

MANILA, Philippines — College of St. Benilde went to Matthew Jucom in the first three quarters and John Morales in the fourth and final canto as it survived a late, furious Lyceum fightback and escaped with a 107-103 victory in NCAA Season 102 seniors basketball at the San Andres Gym.

Jucom fired a match high 28 points, including 18 in the first half, while Morales dropped eight of his 18 markers in the final period that doused cold water on the Pirates’ hot, desperate pursuit.

The win pushed the Blazers back to the Group A helm alongside the Jose Rizal Bombers on 8-3 records, half a game ahead of the San Beda Lions (7-3), while strengthening their chances of claiming the twice-to-beat quarterfinal edge for the top two finishers in bracket play.

“Mahalaga po itong panalo na ito dahil dikit dikit kami ng JRU at San Beda,” said Morales.

In the other game, Emilio Aguinaldo edged Perpetual Help, 92-89, in overtime to improve to 5-6 in Group B.

The Altas dropped to 3-8.