YANKIE Haruna caught fire as he steered St. Benilde to its breakthrough win in the 2019 Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup, drubbing Jose Rizal University, 79-56, Friday.
The Fil-Am forward showed the way for the Blazers, scoring 19 points on an ultra-efficient 7-of-10 shooting, to go with five rebounds for their first victory in the summer tourney.
Justin Gutang provided support with his nine points, four rebounds, and four assists, while James Pasturan added nine to his own.
St. Benilde wasted no time blowing away JRU, taking an 18-4 first quarter as it went on cruise control to end its two-game losing streak.
MJ Dela Virgen topped the Heavy Bombers with 11 points and three assists, while rookie Marwin Dionisio had 11.
JRU remained winless in Group B at 0-2.
The scores:
ST. BENILDE 79 -- Haruna 19, Pasturan 9, Gutang 9, Naboa 8, Pangalangan 7, Belgica 6, Dixon 5, Young 3, Flores 3, Carlos 2, Nayve 2, Leutcheu 2, Lim 2, Javillonar 2, Lepalam 0.
JRU 56 -- Dela Virgen 11, Dionisio 11, Delos Santos 10, Estrella 6, Arenal 5, Miranda 5, Jungco 2, Aguila 2, Vasquez 2, Bordon 2, Amores 0, Steinl 0, Padua 0.
Quarters: 18-4, 34-23, 55-46, 79-56.
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