DE LA SALLE-College of Saint Benilde blasted University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 81-64, to stay undefeated in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 98 men’s basketball on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

Will Gozum unloaded a doubledouble of 16 points and 12 rebounds on top of two assists and two blocks to lead the way for the Blazers, who solidified their hold on top of the team standings with a 3-0 card.

Miguel Corteza also came through with 15 points and seven boards, while Robi Nayve chipped in 12 markers and two caroms.

Macoy Marcos punched in seven points and three rebounds as Chris Flores produced the same output. Jimboy Pasturan chipped in six points and four assists for the Blazers.

“We were not making shots in the first half. I thought we were playing okay, we were playing solid defense but we made some adjustments at the half and took a look at what could work for us,” said Saint Benilde head coach Charles Tiu, whose team led by as many as 25 points.

“I’m thankful that the players eventually made their shots so I give them the credit. We played much better in the third quarter.”

After a tight first half, the Blazers blew the game wide open in the third quarter as they limited the latter to just 10 points all the while scoring 32 (18 coming from the three-point area) to enter the final canto with a comfortable 65-42 lead.

Saint Benilde, whose bench outscored Perpetual Help’s 5028, remained in control in the fourth quarter, dousing every rally mounted by the Altas with timely baskets to secure the win.

Strong as the Blazers start this season, Tiu is not about to celebrate at all, aware that Saint Benilde has the tendency to fade away in the latter part of the season.

“It’s only been three games. We haven’t played Letran, Mapua, San Beda — the teams that I said are consistently contending in the Final Four. It’s still a long way to go for us. It’s in the back of our minds that this team (Perpetual) eliminated us last season (in the play-in tourney) so we kinda want to get that bad taste in our mouth,” Tiu said.

“You guys know that CSB had good starts but faded in the end. Hopefully, it will be a different story this year. We’re taking it one game at a time. We play Letran next so there’s no way we can celebrate.”

Rey Barcuma cashed in 14 points, four rebounds and two assists to pace the Altas, who have lost two games in a row after their season-opening win.

Kim Aurin added 13 points, two rebounds, and two assists, as Marcus Nitura added 12 points and five boards. Cedrick Abis finished with eight points and 13 rebounds for the Altas.