Lucena—Will Gozum made an impact in his debut game right in front of the local folks of the Quezon Titans as he fell a rebound short of posting a double-double performance, while Rodel Gravera came through with crucial baskets in leading their team to an 87-78 victory over the AO Kings at the Quezon Convention Center late Saturday night.
Gozum, the Most Valuable Player in the National Collegiate Athletic Association two years ago, finished with 10 points and nine rebounds and his presence immediately toughened up the interior of the Titans, who scored their ninth win in 11 games.
But it was Gravera who came through with crucial baskets down the stretch to help repulse a late charge from the Kings.
Gravera scored seven points in the final three minutes, including a dunk coming from the baseline off a fastbreak play that shoved the Titans ahead, 80-69, exactly three minutes in the game.
Meanwhile, the Blazers of SGA-St. Benilde barely broke out a sweat in dealing CV Siniloan a sound beating, 112-90, to stay in the hunt for a playoff berth.
Gab Cometa led the Blazers’ onslaught as he knocked in five three-point shots on his way to finishing with 21 markers, while five other players from St. Benilde ended up in double figures in another dominant showing for the school-based team.
Jhomel Ancheta contributed 12 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from the field, Roger Ondoa produced 11 markers, including several highlight reels, Zenric Jarque scored 11 as well and Matthew Oli and Mark Sangco wound up with 10 points apiece in a display of balanced firepower by the Blazers, who shot 52% (43-of-82) from the field and came up with 59 points from players coming off the bench.
