COLLEGE of Saint Benilde maintained its No. 2 position in Group B after edging out Letran, 80-74, 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 boards as CSB improved to a 7-4 record, trailing only San Beda University (7-3).

The Knights dropped to third with a 6-5 slate.

“I give credit to our guys because they didn’t back down. Letran is a very tough and physical team,” said CSB coach Charles Tiu. He also praised his bench for stepping up in the absence of reigning league MVP Allen Liwag, sidelined due to a shoulder injury.

“Even without Allen, our team fought hard and played solid defense when it mattered most,” Tiu added.

John Mowell Morales contributed 13 points, while Tony Ynot and Jhomel Ancheta chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively, as CSB bounced back from a 76-80 loss to San Beda.

For Letran, Jonathan Moses posted 16 points, five assists, five steals, and two rebounds, helping the Knights take a 50-48 lead at halftime.

The scores: