College of St. Benilde tightened up its grip of a spot in the Final Four after eliminating San Sebastian out of playoff contention with a 78-68 victory in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Sunday, Nov. 12.

The Blazers never looked back after they unloaded a back-breaking 12-4 run to open the final frame – six of which coming from two big triples from Migs Oczon to establish a double-digit spread, 70-58, midway through the payoff period.

CSB then safely cruised to the victory from there to pick up the crucial victory that hiked its record to 10-5 while slamming the door on any Final Four hopes from the Stags.

More importantly, the Blazers managed to solidify their seat at the third spot just behind league pacing Mapua and Lyceum with only three games left on their schedule.

Will Gozum led CSB with 14 points and eight rebounds while Oczon and Robi Nayve both finished with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds apiece

Michael Mara was also solid off the bench for the Charles Tiu-mentored squad with 12 points and eight rebounds.

Although in full control of the contest in the first three quarters, CSB found a hard time shaking off a desperate San Sebastian hoping to fight for another day. The Blazers was only up by four heading into the final canto and before they broke away from the tight contest.

Rommel Calahat tried to carry the fight for the Stags with 14 points but to no avail. San Sebastian slid to a 5-10 record with three games left to try and end the season on a good note.