By: Aliahcorr Balanon
Photo courtesy of William Tulagan / The LANCE
The Benilde Blazers secured their second victory over Letran Knights, 80-74, after gaining control in the closing stretch of a tightly contested matchup, on Friday, November 14 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Jonathan Manalili kept Letran competitive with 19-points, while Jimboy Estrada contributed a massive 16-points that fueled Letran's run.
Benilde opened the game with three fouls in the first 30 seconds, while Chad Gammad knocked down a corner three off a set up by Manalili, putting them ahead, 7-4.
Winston Ynot and John Morales contributed early, helping the Benilde tie the game at 10-all. Ynot continued his momentum, pushing Benilde to a 16-19 lead. Jhommel Anceta also found his rhythm, extending the advantage to 16-22.
Mark Omega on the other side, halted Benilde’s run with back-to-back baskets, 20-26, but Justine Sanchez, helped Benilde to secure a seven-point lead at the end of the quarter, 31-24.
Ian Torres waxed hot early for Benilde, extending the lead into the biggest margin at 28-40. Letran responded quickly with two baskets as Manalili stepped up, trimming the gap to 32-40.
At the line, Jimboy Estrada sank two free throws to bring Letran within striking distance, Aaron Buensalida followed with a bucket while Jun Roque added another bucket to tighten it to 38-40.
Benilde maintained the gap courtesy of Shawn Umali’s bruising effort, but Letran kept pushing, with Manalili converting a basket to tie at 48-all. The halftime buzzer favored the latter, as Kevin Santos made a two-pointer to put his squad ahead, 50-48.
The second half opened with a tight exchange, both teams locked at 54-all. Estrada then nailed a three-pointer to put Letran ahead, 57-54.
Roque continued to deliver for Letran, keeping them in front at 59-57. The Knights pushed further, building their biggest lead of the game at 63-58, but Torres answered for Benilde with a basket and free throws to close the gap 63-61.
The lead came back to five as Estrada gave a three point shot, 66-61. Torres responded once more, converting at the line to trim it to 66-63, Torres secured the ball and beat the clock on the buzzer giving Benilde a lead to end the third quarter at 66-69.
Sanchez continued his strong performance, supported by Raffy Celis, as Benilde rebuilt their six-point lead, 66-72. Benilde then had a 15-0 run, stretching the advantage to eight, 66-74. Umali remained aggressive, securing a 10-point lead for Benilde heading into the final three minutes.
Estrada tried to pull a miracle for Letran, cutting it to 71–78, but it was to no avail because of Sanchez’ control in the paint to finish the game, 74-80.
Torres contributed with a massive 15-points that earned him to be the Player of the Game. Justine Sanchez on the other hand, provided consistent performance helping Benilde maintain control during critical stretches.
The Knights will head right back into the battlefield to uplift their record after slipping to third seed in Group B after this loss. Their next bout will be against the EAC Generals on Sunday, November 16, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
QUARTER SCORES: 24-31, 50-48, 66-69, 80-74.
LETRAN (74) - Manalili 16, Estrada 14, Buensalida 10, Omega 9, Roque 9, Santos 8, Gammad 7, Rosilio 1, Cuajao 0, Montecillo 0, Silorio 0, Tapenio 0, Yusi 0
BENILDE (80) - Torres 15, Sanchez 14, Morales 13, Ynot 12, 10, Umali 5, Celis 3, Eusebio 3, Gaspay 3, Cometa 2, Cajucom 0, Oli 0