PRIMING up for its much-anticipated duel with San Beda, College of Saint Benilde turned back Arellano University, 83-73, to move closer in securing a twice-to-beat berth in the Final Four of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre yesterday.

Robi Nayve shot 17 points, Miggy Corteza had 15 points and five rebounds while Mark Sangco had a double-double outing of 11 points and 13 rebounds for the Blazers.

Benilde moved in a tie with defending champion Letran on top with a 13-4 record, ending idle Lyceum of the Philippines University’s chances of securing of a semifinals incentive.

The Pirates finished the eliminations with a 12-6 record and could now drop as the fourth-ranked team in the Final Four.

The Blazers hope to clinch the twice-to-beat bonus against the Red Lions at 3 p.m. tomorrow.

A Benilde loss San Beda coupled by a Knights win over also-ran Jose Rizal University on Wednesday will force a playoff between the Blazers and the Red Lions for the remaining twice-to-beat slot.

Benilde bested San Beda, 78-69, in the first round.

In a duel of already-eliminated sides, San Sebastian edged Emilio Aguinaldo College, 72-69, for its eighth victory in 17 losses.

Ichie Altamirano shone for the Stags with 18 points.

The Chiefs dropped to 7-10, while the Generals stumbled to their 15th loss in 17 games.

San Sebastian will wrap up its season against Mapua on Wednesday, while Arellano and EAC clash on Tuesday to end their respective campaigns.

The scores:

First game

SSC-R (62) — Altamirano 18, Calahat 12, Aguilar 11, Sumoda 6, Cosari 4, Villapando 3, Una 3, Escobido 2, Are 0, Concha 0.
EAC (59) — Cosejo 15, Dominguez 12, Tolentino 7, Maguliano 6, Cosa 6, Quinal 5, Balowa 4, Luciano 2, Angeles 2, Bajon 0, Umpad 0, An. Doria 0.
Quarterscores: 20-15, 39-32, 53-44, 62-59

Second game

Benilde (83) — Nayve 17, Corteza 15, Sangco 11, Pasturan 10, Gozum 9, Oczon 6, Cullar 5, Lepalam 4, Carlos 3, Lim 3, Marcos 0, Mara 0, Davis 0.
Arellano (73) — Flores 17, Doromal 14, Mantua 11, Tolentino 10, Talampas 10, Mallari 8, Ongotan 3, Oliva 0, Abastillas 0, Oftana 0, Sunga 0.
Quarterscores: 24-24, 45-46, 64-59, 83-73.