LETRAN will be entering the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball quarterfinals with a ton of momentum after ending the elimination round with a statement win over longtime rival San Beda, 87-83, at San Juan Arena on Sunday.

The Knights ended the classification games with back-to-back wins over Emilio Aguinaldo College and now, the Red Lions, to register an 8-5 record in Group B.

“Nagstart ‘to sa practice, having that clarity on offense and defense kasi for the past games, ang erratic namin on both ends so we studied film,” coach Allen Ricardo.

“Nakita ko naman and I’m happy about the win and how they performed in this game.”

The loss barely affected San Beda as they stayed atop Group B with a 9-4 card, sufficient for the top seed with a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters.

The Knights spoiled Agjanti Miller’s big game, beating San Beda despite his 34-point explosion.

Miller played for 30 minutes and registered a 50 percent field goal shooting clip, sinking 12 of his 24 tries, but to no avail. Jimuel Reyes also scored in a losing effort for the Red Lions.

Jonathan Manalili came up big for Letran with a double-double to the tune of 26 points and 11 assists with four rebounds and two steals to go with it. Kevin Santos also dominated for the Knights with 14 points and six rebounds.

Letran will be taking on Group A’s third seed Arellano with a twice-to-win disadvantage in the quarters. The Knights will play with their season on the line this Wednesday at the same venue.

As for the Red Lions, they will wait for the winner of the play-in for fourth game between Lyceum and San Sebastian. San Beda will take on the winner of that bout with a twice-to-beat advantage.

The scores:

CSJL (87) – – Manalili 26, Santos 14, Cuajao 10, Roque 10, Estrada 9, Omega 8, Gammad 5, Buensalida 2, Alejandro 2, Tapenio 1, Silorio 0, Montecillo 0

SBU (83) – Miller 34, Reyes 12, Andrada 8, Gonzales 6, Estacio 6, Calimag 5, Culdora 4, Bonzalida 3, Celzo 2,Lina 2, Etulle 1,

Songcuya 0

Quarter scores: 26-21, 46-49, 70-70, 87-83