By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The College of St. Benilde (CSB) Blazers continued their strong start in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament after defeating the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers, 73-65, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Bacolodnon Raffy Celis led the Blazers with an all-around effort of 20 points, five rebounds, four steals, and two assists.

Justine Sanchez added 17 points and six rebounds to power CSB to a 3-1 record and solo leadership in Group B.

The Blazers took a slim 22-19 advantage after the first quarter before widening the gap in the second period for a 42-34 lead at halftime.

JRU fought back in the third quarter and came within four, 55-51.

However, Celis sealed the win for Benilde with a late basket that extended their lead to 73-63 in the closing moments.

Sean Salvador paced the Heavy Bombers with 13 points, while Sanlea Peñaverde contributed 11 as JRU fell to a 2-2 win-loss card.

Meanwhile, defending champion Mapua University leaned on its role players to pull off a 70-49 rout of San Sebastian College-Recoletos.

Transferees Ivan Lazarte and Earl Sapasap stepped up for the Cardinals, who bounced back from a tough loss to the University of Perpetual Help Altas on October 8.

Lazarte, a former University of Santo Tomas standout, tallied 14 points.

Sapasap chipped in 11 points and seven rebounds to help Mapua improve to 3-1.

Their efforts made up for the off night of mainstays Clint Escamis, Cyril Gonzales and Cyrus Cuenco, who combined for only eight points.

Ian Cuajao led San Sebastian with 14 points, while Reggz Gabat added 10 as the Golden Stags slipped to 1-3./ASC, WDJ