Letran Knights vs CSB Blazers

The reigning champion Colegio de San de Letran (CSJL) Knights rallied out to beat the College of Saint Benilde (CSB) Blazers with 67-63 in the opening game.

Former basketball star of the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) and now a Letran Knight, Rhenz Abando, led his team with his solid performance scoring 19 points, snatching eight rebounds, and three assists while also adding four blocks.

While Alfonso Benzon had 16 points and Carlo Lim scored 10 for CSB, pushing the team to a 32-20 halftime lead owing to their great play.

However, Fran Yu, the season 95 finals MVP, combined with Abando kept the Blazers from taking control of the game as they anchored their side’s offensive onslaught hindered the other team from engaging in actively fighting in the final quarter.

Despite Benilde’s strong performance, the elimination round between the Knights and Blazers ended with Yu’s game-winning free throw that gave the defending champions one final four-point lead.

SBU Red Lions vs LPU Pirates

Meanwhile, after two years, it’s time for the San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions to make up for their final season 95 campaign.

The Red Lions are beginning to show off their prowess as they win against the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates with an 81-72 victorious score.

Through the astounding play of Ralph Penuela and John Bryle “JB” Bahio, the Red Lions managed to take the first half to open up a 19-point advantage.

But the gap in their scores slowly fades as the Pirates staged a dramatic comeback and brought the deficit down to 10 points numerous times, culminating with a 61-51 score in the third quarter.

Enoch Valdez, on the other hand, headed Lyceum with 22 points, eight rebounds, two steals, and an assist in the game. 

In the end, the Red Lions finished the game with Bahio and Penuela having 12 points each to lead the Red Lions in scoring, while Tony Ynot finished with ten points for the game.

On Wednesday at 3 p.m., the Red Lions will face Emilio Aguinaldo College in an attempt to build on their victory. On the other hand, Lyceum will take on hosts College of Saint Benilde at 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Scores:

LETRAN VS CSB

LETRAN 67 – Abando 19, Yu 12, Caralipio 8, Sangalang 7, Javillonar 7, Paraiso 4, Fajarito 4, Mina 3, Olivario 2, Ambohot 1, Reyson 0, Guarino 0.

CSB 63 – Benzon 16, Lim 10, Gozum 8, Nayve 6, Cullar 6, Corteza 4, Davis 2, Lepalam 2, Marcos 2, Sangco 0, Flores 0, Mosqueda 0.

SBU VS LPU

SBU 81 – Penuela 12, Bahio 12, Ynot 10, Kwekuteye 9, Cuntapay 9, Gallego 7, Cometa 5, Andrada 5, Amsali 4, Villejo 4, Alfaro 3, Abuda 2, Viser 1, Jopia 0, Sanchez 0

LPU 72 – Valdez 23, Navarro 15, Guinto 10, Umali 8, Cunanan 6, Remulla 5, Guadana 2, Lanupay 2, Barba 2, Abadeza 2, Bravo 2, Silvarez 0, Jabel 0, Garro 0.