Reserves preserve Dolphins’ win

Philippine Christian U went to its reserves when its starters began to sputter, beating College of St.Benilde, 62-58, yesterday and firming up its hold of second place in the 81st NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Astrodome in Pasay City.

Back-up guard Derryl Santos, big man Joel Solis and shooter Carlos Cecilia combined for 29 points as the Dolphins came out of a two-game slump to post their seventh victory against two losses.

That kept them close to unbeaten Letran Knights, who tote an 8-0 card while posting a 1 1/2 game edge over the third running Mapua Cardinals heading into the crucial phase of the double-round elims.

Jason Castro also came off the bench to score 17 points for PCU, which trailed in the first half as its key players, including last year’s top rookie and MVP Gabby Espinas and Rob Sanz, groped for form.

Jerome Paterno fired 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds as San Beda posted its second straight win under coach Koy Banal via a 69-63 victory over San Sebastian. The Red Lions improved to 3-6 while the Stags took their fifth loss against four wins.

"They (starters) are not performing well," said a disappointed PCU coach Junel Baculi, whose team lost to Letran in overtime (64-70) and San Beda College (72-78). "Good thing our second stringers gave us a big lift. I give credit to my second stringers. We’re just lucky in this game."

Baculi later said the team will proceed to Laguna for a much-needed team-building, the third time PCU will hold such session this season to improve the team chemistry.

"We need to address some concerns, problems. But with this win we have a positive outlook in our team building. We need to fine-tune the chemistry and the system," added Baculi, who took over the coaching chores vacated by Ato Tolentino.