College of Saint Benilde continued its impressive start, claiming the scalp of University of Perpetual Help via a 61-54 win yesterday to grab the early lead in the NCAA seniors basketball tournament at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Four days after spoiling the comeback of Philippine Christian University, the Blazers used another strong fourth quarter performance to frustrate the Altas.

Archie David, Garry Sevilla and Angelo Montecastro starred for the Blazers’ second straight win by coming with clutch baskets in the final four minutes of the game to assure the Taft-based of a better showing this time around.

Last year, the Blazers under coach Caloy Garcia won only once in 12 games in the elims. PCU was still suspended that time.

In the other seniors match, Mapua bounced back from an embarrassing 56-85 defeat to defending champion San Beda, by trouncing San Sebastian College, 86-80.

Neil Pascual scored 19 points on top eight rebounds and six assists while reigning MVP Kelvin dela Peña added nine points for the Cardinals.

Coach Gee Abanilla, who replaced Garcia, credited the great resolve of his players for the win, saying: “Perpetual had a good defensive game plan. Good thing, ’yong mga bata hindi bumigay.

That is one thing I appreciate.”

The last time the Taft-based team had a winning start was in 2005 when it won its first three games before their fortunes floundered.

“I am very happy with our position right now kahit unfamiliar siya,” said Abanilla with a smile.

Montecastro shattered a 52-52 count with a long jumper before David came through with a three-point shot that turned out to be a blade that slit the throats of the Altas in the battle between the opening day winners.

The Altas, who stunned San Sebastian, 60-55, was never the same after that as they made hurried shots from the 3-point territory in a bid to catch up with the Blazers.

Also shining for the Blazerz was Jacob Manlapaz, who scored 14 points – most of them early in the game that kept CSB in the thick of everything.

David, hero in the team’s 69-65 win over the Dolphins, finished with 13 points on 3-of-6 shooting from the 3-point area while Sevilla added 11.

In juniors action, San Sebastian College also roared to its second straight by manhandling comebacking Malayan High School of Science, 119-25, while La Salle Greenhills won against UPH, 95-76.

Arvie Bringas was simply unstoppable as he sizzled with 39 points, while Almond Vosotros had an all-around performance of 17 markers, 10 boards, four assists, and three steals.

The scores:

First Game

La Salle Greenhills 95 — Reyes, Mi. 19, Reyes, Mar. 13, Franco 13, Henares 11, Malimban 10, Reyes, Marco. 6, Tanhueco 6, Vergara 4, Quebral 4, Reyes, Marce. 3, Vinas 3, Adornado 2, Cruz 1, Gamboa 0, Flores 0.

Perpetual Help 76 — Eriobu 17, Baptista 16, de Guzman 12, Gonato 10, Flor 8, Martinez 7, Gonzalez 4, Pigao 2, Alolino 0.

Quarters: 21-18, 42-37, 67-59, 95-76.

Second Game

SAN Sebastian 119 — Bringas 39, Vosotros 17, Andrada 13, Ortuoste 10, Mendoza 9, Mamaril 8, Cam 7, Delgado, J. 6, Delgado, F. 5, Villarosa 3, de Guzman 2.

Malayan 25 — Valdez 13, Domingo 2, Abad 2, Targa 2, Alejandro 2, Basas 2, Sevilla 2, Roxas 0, Espiritu 0, Pobre 0, Castillo 0, Reyes 0.

Quarters: 34-5, 50-10, 82-17, 119-25.

Third Game

St. Benilde 61 — Manlapaz 14, David 13, Sevilla 11, Morial 7, Manalac 6, Montecastro 6, Dalanon 2, Abolucion 0, Santos 0, Umlas 0.

Perpetual Help 54 — Ynion 18, Dysam 10, Balboa 8, Kong 7, Mejos 5, Reyes 4, Salanga 2, Galabin 0.

Quarters: 18-18, 33-33, 47-48, 61-54.

Fourth Game

Mapua 86 — Pascual, N. 19, Mangahas 15,Sarangay 10, Mazo 10, dela Peña 9, Banal 8, Guillermo 8, Soriano 3, Acosta 2, Pascual, J. 2, Cornejo 0.

San Sebastian 80 — Viray 21, Bulawan 17, Ballesteros 13, Aquino 8, Delgado 6, Raymundo 6, del Rio 5, Maconocido 2, Najorda 2, Semira 0.

Quarters: 25-25, 49-37, 68-56, 86-80.