De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde bounced back at the expense of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 80–74, on Friday in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Centre.
The Blazers also completed an elimination-round sweep of the Knights, whom they defeated in the first round, 95–80.
With the victory, Benilde improved to 7–5 while Letran slipped to 6–4, as the win came on the heels of Benilde’s 80–76 loss to San Beda University on November 7.
Letran led 66–61 with 3:43 left in the third period before the Blazers unleashed a 15–0 run that extended into the fourth quarter, giving the Taft-based squad a 76–66 advantage at the 6:08 mark of the final frame.
Kevin Santos momentarily stopped the bleeding for Letran, but a Jhomel Ancheta basket at the 3:03 mark restored a 10-point cushion that allowed Benilde to hold off the Knights.
“Well, we just told them not to panic. It's a long game. We've been in this situation before. We've learned that adversity is good for us, so I'm happy with the way they responded. Happy with the way they defended in the fourth quarter. It wasn't an easy game, but we prepared hard for this game throughout the week,” Benilde head coach Charles Tiu said.
Ian Torres led the Blazers with 15 points, while Justine Sanchez added 14 points and eight rebounds. Mowell Morales contributed 13 points, all in the first half, while Tony Ynot and Ancheta chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively, as Benilde continued to play without the injured Allen Liwag.
Titing Manalili tallied 16 points, five assists, five steals, and two rebounds, while Jimboy Estrada posted 14 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and one steal. Aaron Buensalida added 10 points, eight rebounds, an assist, and a steal.
Scores:
Benilde 80 – Torres 15, Sanchez 14, Morales 13, Ynot 12, Ancheta 10, Umali 5, Celis 3, Gaspay 3, Eusebio 3, Cometa 2, Cajucom 0, Oli 0.
Letran 74 – Manalili 16, Estrada 14, Buensalida 10, Roque 9, Omega 9, Santos 8, Gammad 7, Rosilio 1, Cuajao 0, Tapenio 0, Silorio 0, Yusi 0 , Montecillo 0.
Quarters: 31-24, 48-50, 69-66, 80-74.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
