Jolas’ Nephew Shines For Blazers; Near Brawl Mars High School Play

College of St. Benilde went to rookie sensation Carlo Lastimosa at crunch time to turn back Arellano University, 70-64, on a day another near brawl marred the high school play of the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

The 6-foot-2 Lastimosa, nephew of former PBA star Jojo Lastimosa, hit back-to-back hits before the Blazers clamped down on defense to jumpstart their title bid.

Lastimosa poured in 13 points, including two in a 6-0 run that broke the last deadlock of the game at 64-all.

After Blazer Timothy Maccoy hit a jumper, Lastimosa scored on spectacular alley-oop from Mark De Guzman, then hit another jumper to extend the Blazers lead to 70-64, time down to 2:04.

The score proved to be the final count as the Chiefs went on a dry spell in the last 4:10.

Adrian Celada and Isiah Ciriacruz had several chances to shine but they both missed their three-point attempts.

Del Rosario reserved his best praise for Lastimosa, who rose to the occasion despite being sparingly used in the third period after getting into foul trouble.

"He was tight in the first half and he was in foul trouble, but once he got his rhythm he's on his own," said Del Rosario.

Earlier, the Jose Rizal Light Bombers subdued Squires, 75-64, in a game marked by a near fistfight.

The game turned ugly in the fourth period with the Light Bombers ahead, 72-58, with 1:28 left when the Squires' Renz Rivota pushed hard and nearly attacked Bomber Aldrin Fegidero in an out-of-the ball play.

A commotion ensued and Fegidero attempted to retaliate but was pacified by officials although his teammate Reyl Vasquez went out of the bench to rescue him.

After the smoke cleared, Rivota was ejected for a Flagrant Foul 2, while Fegidero and Vasquez were thrown out for Flagrant 1 and bench-clearing.

Rivota is expected to be suspended for one game.

In the second game, Jose Rizal University outlasted Letran in overtime, 67-62, for its first win two outings.

Cameroonian Joe Etame produced a double-double effort of 15 points and 16 rebounds while Mark Lopez had 12 points and seven boards as the Heavy Bombers gave former PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) winner Vergel Meneses his first win as a coach in the NCAA.

First Game (Seniors)

ST. BENILDE 70 — De Guzman 14, Lastimosa 13, Tan 12, Nayve 10, dela Paz 7, Sinco 6, Agamino 3, Mccoy 2, Ongteco 2, Abolucion 1, Manalac 0

ARELLANO 64 — Lapuz 16, Celada 13, Ciriacruz 10, Del Rosario 7, Acidre 6, Anquilo 4, Caperal 4, Zulueta 2, Advincula 2, Palma 0, Casino 0, Virtudazo 0
Quarters: 20-17,36-32, 59-55, 70-64