A short-handed Benilde Blazers still have their bearings oiled against Letran to sink the Knights’ to a 0-3 hole, 95-80.

In a tightly contested affair that featured multiple sit-outs from both squads, Benilde relied on the steady shooting of Justine Sanchez and a breakout performance from Matthew Oli. 

Sanchez earned the best player honors after scattering a game-high 23 points with five boards, three assists, and three steals; while Oli contributed 20 markers on a flawless 7-of-7 field goal shooting and a 4-of-4 clip from the freebie line.

It was a back-and-forth affair between the two heavily shorthanded teams, as Benilde missed the services of reigning MVP-DPOY Allen Liwag, veteran guard Gab Cometa, and role players Bonn Daja, Joshua Cajucom, and Jericho Jalalon.

Jhommel Ancheta and Shawn Umali also chipped in for the Blazers, collecting 16 and 13 markers, respectively.

Letran also came in with less fire power without ace sophomore Jimboy Estrada and sharpshooter Jun Roque during the heavyweight clash.

Interestingly, the Benilde win spoiled a breakout performance from Letran’s talented guard Jonathan Manalili who almost collected a triple-double in the losing effort. 

The Knights’ homegrown star delivered a game-high 23 points to go along with eight rebounds and nine assists, and a perfect 6-of-6 free throw shooting. 

Chad Gammad, one of coach Allen Ricardo’s most used and entrusted shooters, poured in four triples en route to 18 total points, while Deo Cuajao added 15 markers. 

The Benilde Blazers score their second win in three games, while the Letran Knights are still at the bottom of Group B after falling to 0-3.