College of Saint Benilde emerged from a two-week break and emerged winning in one of its most crucial games this season.

The Blazers were saved by a fourth-quarter explosion from unlikely scorer Luis Sinco as they subdued Jose Rizal University (JRU), 71-69, Wednesday at the San Juan Arena.

The win elevated the Blazers to third place at 10-4 while the Bombers are now tied with Perpetual Help for fourth place at 9-5.

Sinco, known as being a pass first point guard, took matters to his own hands, scoring ten of his 12 points in the fourth quarter.

His offensive outburst came after the Blazers were reeling off a 48-56 deficit at the end of the third quarter.

“Luis was big. I know he can really make those threes. All the shooters in this team have the license to shoot and this game and it happened that he took charge. Even if he misses those shots, those were honest shots and I will still commend him for taking it,” said Saint Benilde coach Gabby Velasco.

The game was an escape act for the Blazers as the Heavy Bombers paced the game from the get go as JRU exploited St. Benilde’s slow reaction on defense.

Led by usual suspects Philip Paniamogan, Michael Mabulac, and Teytey Teodoro, JRU surged to a 35-24 lead midway in the second quarter.

The big deficit became the wake up call for the Blazers though, as the embattled team clicked from the outside and ended the second half with a 10-2 run to come close at 35-37.

Still, the Heavy Bombers bullied their way in the third quarter as they stymied the Blazers with fullcourt press defense while the backcourt tandem of Paniamogan and Teodoro continued their scoring run, guiding JRU to a 56-48 lead after the period.

Saint Benilde then retaliated in the fourth quarter by fearlessly driving down the shaded lane and drawing several fouls from JRU in the process, slowing down the game which favors the rusty Blazers.

A huge block by guard Jonathan Gray against hulking JRU center Abdul Wahab Abdul Razak signaled the run of the Blazers, as Sinco took control with two pull-up triples coming to the final two minutes, as Saint Benilde grabbed the lead, 66-65.

Paolo Taha then finished the job for the Blazers as the graduating guard finished with a high-flying drive to the basket off a crossover dribble for a 70-67 lead.

The Heavy Bombers had their chance to bounce back but Teodoro muffed two lay-ups and airballed a three-pointer.

The Blazers were led by Taha with 16 points and ten rebounds. Mark Romero added 14 points while Sinco finished the game with 12 points.

On the other hand, the Heavy Bombers were bannered by Paniamogan, who played an all-around game of 19 points, five rebounds, and three steals.

Box scores:

Saint Benilde 71 – Taha 16, Romero 14, Sinco 12, Saavedra 9, Grey 9, Ongteco 8, Altamirano 3, Nayve 0, Jonson 0, Pajarillaga 0, Bartolo 0

JRU 69 – Paniamogan 19, Mabulac 10, Teodoro 10, Sanchez 9, Abdul Wahab 8, Grospe 6, Benavides 6, Lasquety 1, Balagtas 0, Asuncion 0, Salaveria 0

Quarter scores: 14-17, 35-37, 48-56, 71-69