Games Monday (The Arena, San Juan)
10 a.m. — Mapua vs San Sebastian (Jrs)
11: 45 a.m. — San Beda vs Jose Rizal (Jrs)
2 p.m. — Mapua vs San Sebastian (Srs)
4 p.m. — San Beda vs Jose Rizal (Srs)

Apparently, College of St. Benilde brings out the best in John Wilson.

Wilson redeemed himself from a lackluster performance against San Sebastian College by firing 21 points to help Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers beat College of St. Benilde, 73-63, on Friday in the 85th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Held to just nine points in a big loss to San Sebastian College last Monday, Wilson had already 15 points in the first half before capping his exploits for the day with a crucial three-pointer in the fourth to halt the Blazers’ determined comeback.

“It’s good to see he stepped up coming from a poor performance against San Sebastian,” said JRU mentor Ariel Vanguardia, whose team bounced back from a painful 91-76 loss to the Stags that snapped their six-game winning streak.

The victory did not only power the Bombers into a joint second place with San Beda on similar 7-1 cards, but also primed themselves up for an exciting rematch with the defending champion Red Lions on Monday.

The Blazers moved dangerously within 56-59 when Aaron Umlas opened the fourth with a jumper. But the sweet-shooting Wilson, who had three triples, put the game away when he ignited a 10-2 spurt with a trey that gave the Bombers a commanding 69-58 edge time down to 45 ticks.

Center James Sena, who was drafted by San Miguel ninth overall, ably supported Wilson with 17 points on top of five rebounds.

In the first game, Arellano University finally ended a four-game losing skid with an 85-70 win over the University of Perpetual Help Altas.

The Chiefs turned their duel with the Altas into a virtual workout right at the start, coming through with several spurts before taking a huge 55-32 half time lead.

The scores:
First Game (Srs)
ARELLANO 85 — G. Ciriacruz 20, Celada 19, Rivera 17, Tayongtong 10, I. Ciriacruz 10, Apostol 7, Agustin 2, Virtudazo 0, Miranda 0, Anquilo 0
PERPETUAL 70 — Yanion 24, Elorpe 11, Carrulo 9, Vivero 8, Salanga 8, Galabin 6, Rono 2, Liaz 2, Salvado 0
Quarter: 29-17, 55-32, 71-51, 85-70

Second Game (Srs)
JRU 73 — Wilson 21, Sena 17, Agas 13, Hayes 10, Cagoco 5, Njei 4, Lopez 2, Bulangis 1, Matute 0, Montemayor 0, Kabigting 0, Apinan 0.
CSB 63 — Dalanon 13, Morial 13, Montecastro 8, de Guzman 8, Manalac 4, Tan 4, Johnston 4, Umlas 3, Manlapaz 2, Wong 2, Urra 2, Abolucion 0.
Quarters: 16-17, 38-27, 55-50, 73-63.