The College of St. Benilde Blazers opened their second round campaign on a high note after coming out victorious against the rampaging Mapua University Cardinals.

The Taft-based squad managed to pull-off the win and halt Mapua’s six-game win streak without its team captain Robi Nayve and NCAA Season 98 Most Valuable Player Will Gozum being hounded with foul trouble.

Benilde relied on Bacolodnon Miggy Corteza who tallied 17 points and nine rebounds, including a big trey at the later part of the fourth canto.

Clint Escamis’ all-around effort went for naught after dropping 19 points along with five boards, five steals, and three dimes.

The scores:

CSB 65- Corteza 17, Gozum 11, Oczon 8, Marcos 8, Sangco 7, Carlos 6, Arciaga 4, Marasigan 3, Jarque 1, Turco 0, Cajucom 0, Jalalon 0

MAPUA 61- Escamis 19, Soriano 14, Hernandez 10, Recto 8, Cuenco 4, Rosillo 2, Bonifacio 2, Igliane 2, Dalisay 0, Asuncion 0, Bancale 0, Fornis 0

Quarterscores: 21-17; 37-31; 51-45; 65-61