LETRAN joined the Group B frenzy on Saturday when the Knights defeated Jose Rizal University, 85-71, at San Juan Arena in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament.

The Knights joined College of St. Benilde, which lost to San Beda yesterday, in a two-way tie for the Group B’s second seed with a 6-4 record.

“We had to limit them para magkaro’n kami ng better chance to get this win,” coach Allen Ricardo said, referring to Letran’s stifling defense on JRU.

“At the same time, siyempre kailangan natin i-maximize ‘yong players natin. Magagaling ‘tong mga batang ‘to so with respect to their skills level, kailangan as a coach mabigyan mo sila ng situations of their own.”

The Heavy Bombers dropped to the fourth seed of Group B with a 5-5 record.

This, after having won over Arellano a few days ago courtesy of an Ivan Panapanaan game-winner.

Today, though, it was Shawn Argente who rallied the Heavy Bombers with 16 points. Harry Herrera helped the cause with 14 to his name but both their performances weren’t enough to stop the surging Knights.

Jimboy Estrada fueled Letran with 20 points while Kevin Santos dominated the paint with 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks to match.

The scores:

CSJL (85)  – Estrada 20, Santos 17, Manalili 8, Roque 8, Cuajao 7, Omega 7, Buensalida 7, Silorio 6, Rosilio 3, Montecillo 2, Tapenio 0, Gammad 0, Gazzingan 0, Yusi 0

JRU (71)  – Argente 16, Herrera 14, Laurenaria 11, Garupil 11, Salvador 11, Benitez 4, Panapanaan 2, Duque 2, Sarmiento 0, Castillo 0, Peñaverde 0, Casinillo 0, Canoza 0