Blazers nip Altas in OT, wrest crown

 MANILA, Philippines - The College of St. Benilde Blazers turned to the free throw line in the extra period and subdued the foul-troubled University of Perpetual Help-A Altas, 113-102, in overtime to clinch the men’s division crown in the 10th Fr. Martin Cup Collegiate Open basketball tournament last Saturday.

They went perfect with their attempts, converting 12 out of 12 tries in the extra five minutes to secure their first ever crown in their second attempt at the St. Placid gymnasium at San Beda College-Mendiola.

Paolo Taha hit 25 points as the Blazers came up with a better than ever finish, and after bowing to the San Beda Red Lions last year.

Lor Rivera fired 21 points for the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, who outplayed the La Salle Lady Archers, 78-69, for the women’s crown in this cagefest supported by Twin Towers Bakery.

The Chris Cantonjos-coached Tigresses claimed their second title since winning the Unigames last October.

Things went downhill for the Altas immediately after Juneric Baloria picked up his fifth foul, a technical for excessive complaining, in the last 4:47 of extra time.

With the count tied at 95-all in regulation, Raphael Nayve put the Blazers ahead on his three gift shots.

After Cameroonian cager Prince Eze missed an attempt in the return play for the Altas, the Blazers then took a five-point edge, 100-95, off Jonathan Grey’s drive with 4:06 to go.