NCAA S87: UPHSD vs CSB

History Lesson:
Count this as another close-fought game by the Altas that got away at the end. A triple by forward Anthony Paulino allowed Perpetual Help to stick close, 75-73, but an 8-0 blast by the Blazers, coupled with converted free throws when the Altas switched to fouling mode helped CSB play keep away, resulting in an 88-83 win. Paolo Taha led CSB with 18 points on an efficient outing, 7 of 9 field goal shooting, 4 of 5 freethrows. Four other Blazers scored in double figures, overpowering the four of Perpetual Help, led by Scottie Thompson's 23 markers. (Recap here)


What's at Stake:

• The Perpetual Help Altas (1-9) stuck close with the San Beda Red Lions, faltering only in the latter part of the fourth quarter. While not nearly as a big a name, a surprise win over the Blazers will throw a monkey wrench into their postseason plans.
• After falling to Mapua in overtime, the St. Benilde Blazers (4-6) find themselves a loss back of Lyceum, and tied with the Cardinals. No doubt, CSB will look to keep in step with the Pirates, but they can force another tie if the Blazers win and JRU handles the Pirates again.

UPHSD Stat to Watch : The Altas hung around with the Red Lions on account of their hot three-point shooting, nailing 9 out of 29 triples, their most since...well, since they hit 10 of 24 against this CSB team in the first round. If they're going to be given the outside look again, then the Blazers are going to find themselves likely buried under a barrage of triples.
UPHSD Player to Watch : Jaycee Asuncion's 15 points in 15 minutes, 12 coming from downtown, was a season-high for him, and a big boost for someone who entered the game converting on just 5 of 29 triples. Whether he can pick it up again in this match is a whole other thing though.

CSB Stat to Watch : The Blazers are having a hard time stopping teams, allowing 80.5 points a game, while giving up an average of 71.4 field goal attempts to the opponent. As offensively inept as the Altas are (34.54 percent field goal shooting, a league low), if you give any opponent enough shots, they're bound to make some, so Benilde ought to tighten up defensively, even if it's just Perpetual Help.
CSB Player to Watch : Odds are good that Carlo Lastimosa won't be available for this game, due to his sprained ankle, so that means the guy to watch again will be Jonathan Grey, as he and Paolo Taha will absorb the majority of Lastimosa's minutes. Grey sizzled against Mapua, second only to Lastimosa himself, with 21 points on 6 of 10 shooting and eight rebounds, though his performance did dip a bit late, due to fatigue. Still, he was instrumental in forging the final score of 94-90, attacking the lane and getting his own misses at the free throw line. 


Prediction: CSB Blazers