MANILA – College of St. Benilde (CSB) turned a tight duel into a late-game demolition, unleashing a blistering fourth-quarter run to crush Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 95-80, and seize back-to-back wins in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
After trailing by a point at halftime, the Blazers erupted behind Justine Sanchez and Matthew Oli, who combined for 43 points, to break free from a stubborn Letran side and secure their second straight victory for a 2-1 card in Group B.
Sanchez anchored CSB’s balanced offense with 23 points, including four triples, while Oli fired a season-high 20 off the bench. Jhomel Ancheta and Shawn Umali added 16 and 13 markers, respectively.
“The Blazers showed better composure in the second half, turning a close game into a statement win with their disciplined defense and sharp shooting.”
The Blazers erased a 44-45 halftime deficit with a fiery third-quarter rally to grab a 65-62 advantage entering the final period. CSB then went on an 8-0 finishing kick after the Knights closed to within seven, sealing the 15-point triumph.
Jonathan Manalili carried the fight for Letran with 23 points, while Chad Gammad chipped in 18 and Deo Cuajao added double figures. The Knights fell to 0-3 in Group B.
Meanwhile, University of Perpetual Help Altas stretched their unbeaten run to three games after dispatching defending champion Mapua University Cardinals, 75-65.
John Boral paced the Altas with 15 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while Leobert Andrew Casinillo tallied a season-best 13 points, including three treys. Patrick Sleat and Mark Gojo Cruz added 12 points apiece as Perpetual seized solo leadership in Group A with a 3-0 slate.
John Recto led the Cardinals with 16 points, followed by Cyril Gonzales with 15. Reigning NCAA MVP Clint Escamis struggled to find rhythm, finishing with only six points as Mapua slipped to 2-1./PN
