Miggy Corteza takes charge as Benilde fends off Lyceum in FilOil encounter

Miggy Corteza was at the forefront for De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde once again as they held off Lyceum of the Philippines University, 84-78, in the 2023 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Monday.

The veteran forward dropped a game-high 23 points with three rebounds and two blocks in 20 minutes of play as the Blazers improved to 6-2, while the Pirates slid to 6-3.

The Blazers had control of the game, until the Pirates got their momentum going with Genesis Aviles splitting his free throws to trail by just four, 80-76. Prior to that, Lyceum stared at a 12-point deficit, 80-68, but a 6-0 run brought them back to the game.

Prince Carlos then drilled a jumper before Corteza put the punctuation with a layup as they held off the Pirates in the final 1:51 minutes.

Paul Turco chipped in 11 points and nine rebounds while Michael Mara chimed in with 10 markers off the bench, alongside six boards and two blocks.

Earlier, Letran squeaked past Mapua, 70-67, while National University cruised to a rout of FAITH College, 142-69.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News