By MARK REY MONTEJO

College of St. Benilde held its composure in the crunch as it survived Jose Rizal University in overtime, 93-85, in NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Friday, Sept. 29.

Miguel Corteza fired a team-best 21 points while reigning MVP Will Gozum, who returned from a one-game suspension, reinforced the crew with 18 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks as the Blazers evened their win-loss record at 1-1.

“We competed, they competed and I can say we got lucky in the end,” said CSB coach Charles Tiu.

Tiu also brushed aside the tension that happened late when the two teams almost came to blows reminiscent of the infamous incident involving John Amores a season back.

“Obviously it got chippy in the end, but that’s just basketball, no big deal,” said Tiu.

JRU lost cool and steam in OT after losing key players to either foul trouble or unsportsmanlike foul that led to ejection.

It sent the Bombers to their first defeat that zapped the sweetness from their shock 85-79 OT triumph over three-peat champion Letran in Day 1.

The loss also threw away the game of Agem Miranda’s life after the spitfire guard erupted for a career-high 31 points.

For Gozum, he was just ecstatic to win.

“I’m happy nakabalik ako,” said Gozum. “Coming from a loss, magandang step ito para sa amin and I hope magtuloy tuloy na.”

Tiu also lauded Corteza for keeping his temper in check.

“I give credit to Corteza, he easily could have exploded after a hard foul,” said Tiu.