College of Saint Benilde (CSB) maintained its No. 2 position in Group B after an 80-74 victory over Letran in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Friday.
Ian Torres led the Blazers with 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Justine Sanchez added 14 points and eight rebounds as CSB improved to 7-4, trailing only San Beda University (7-3). Letran fell to third with a 6-5 record.
“I give them credit because they didn’t back down. Letran is such a tough and physical team,” said coach Charles Tiu, praising his reserves for stepping up in the absence of reigning league MVP Allen Liwag, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury. “Even though we were undermanned without Allen, they fought well, they defended well when it mattered the most.”
John Mowell Morales contributed 13 points, while Tony Ynot and Jhomel Ancheta added 12 and 10 points, respectively, helping CSB bounce back from a 76-80 loss to San Beda.
For Letran, Jonathan Moses scored 16 points with five assists, five steals, and two rebounds. The Knights led 50-48 at halftime but could not hold off the Blazers in the second half.