After almost two weeks, Carlo Lastimosa finally got his shot at redemption.
And Lastimosa made sure that he won’t waste this opportunity as he scored a gutsy drive with 5.2 seconds left as College of Saint Benilde stunned Jose Rizal University, 78-77, in the 87th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
Lastimosa went past JRU guard Alex Almario before scoring a layup off Byron Villarias as the Blazers, who trailed by 12 early in the game and eight in the last six minutes, took the lead for the first time since the second quarter.
The Heavy Bombers had a chance to win it but an open Ronnel Carampil lost the ball after a pass by Raycon Kabigting with no time left and CSB won its second straight game for the first time this season.
With the thrilling victory, the Blazers hiked their record to 3-4 for fifth place in the standings.
Lastimosa finished with a career-high 30 points along with four rebounds and three assists. He shot 8-of-12 from the field and made 14-of-19 attempts from the foul line.
The reigning Rookie of the Year took charge in the final five minutes, often driving to the basket to draw fouls with JRU in penalty. He had 12 points in the payoff period, including the game-winner.
It was a great bounce back moment for Lastimosa, who on July 22 had a chance to give St Benilde a stunning win over defending champion San Beda.
However, he missed a running one-hander against Kyle Pascual and the Red Lions escaped with a 79-78 win.
“He was crying after the San Beda game,” said coach Richard del Rosario. “I told him that the experience will make him better and there will be another chance for him in the future.”
“And that exactly came in this game and he took it strong. I’m happy for him.”
CSB was down 17-5 in the first quarter and later fell 68-60 on an Almario jumper with 6:55 to go.
But led by Lastimosa, the Blazers got into the foul line a number of times with the Heavy Bombers already in penalty.
The Blazers even trailed 72-65 on a Carampil basket with 2;20 left but Lastimosa made a behind-the-back pass to Mark Romero for a three-point play opportunity. Romero muffed the bonus freethrow but CSB eventually moved within 72-71 and 74-73, 1:13 to go.
Almario, who sat all game, made a three-pointer that gave JRU a 77-73 edge but CSB threatened anew at 77-76 after a freethrow by Lastimosa and two foul shots by Ian de la Paz.
Kabigting muffed a three-point attempt on the ensuing play and the Blazers had another chance to win it.
Romero had 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals, de la Paz registered 12 points and Juan Paolo Taha added 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals for St Benilde.
Meanwhile, La Salle Greenhills blasted JRU, 75-54, to remain hot in the juniors division.
Mario Bonleon had 23 points, eight rebounds and three rebounds while Thomas Torres tallied 10 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals as the Greenies improved to 6-1 with their downing of the Light Bombers.
LSGH is in second place behind defending two-time champion San Beda Red Cubs, who are unbeaten through six games.
Boxscores:
Juniors
LSGH 75 – Bonleon 23, Torres 10, Vito 7, Paras 7, Sy 5, Ramilo 5, Barrera 4, Yap 3, Sta Clara 3, Laigo 3, Tesorero 3, Manzano 2, Mercado 0.
JRU 54 – Zuniga 17, Custodio 15, Molina 10, Fernandez 4, Sumanguid 4, Fegidero 2, Montenegro 2, Rosales 0, Barrameda 0, Cortez 0, Castor 0.
Quarters: 18-8; 37-14; 55-28; 75-54.
Seniors
ST BENILDE 78 – Lastimosa 30, Romero 12, de la Paz 12, Taha 10, Tan 6, Altamirano 4, Sinco 3, McCoy 1, Grey 0, Deles 0.
JRU 77 – Montemayor 12, Carampil 11, Kabigting 11, Villarias 9, Lopez 8, Almario 7, Paniamogan 6, Mendoza 5, Matute 4, Monserat 4, Apinan 0, Tiongco 0, de la Paz 0.
Quarters: 14-19; 35-41; 54-58; 78-77.
