Knights topple Blazers, 88-64

Jerrick Balanza sizzled with 26 points for the Knights. #LetranWallopsBenilde #NCAA95

The Knights’ lead reached as high as 30 points, 82-52, after back-to-back treys from Balanza and Jeo Ambohot early in the fourth period and CSB never recovered from that assault. (BMR)

Letran walloped College of St. Benilde (CSB), 88-64, to end its first round campaign of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 95 men’s basketball tournament on a high note Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Jerrick Balanza sizzled with 26 points for the Knights, who started the game with a 12-1 run and never looked back to force a three-way tie for second spot at 6-3.

Bonbon Batiller added 10 points and two assists while Tommy Olivario and Larry Muyang combining for 14 markers to help Letran score a wire-to-wire victory.

“We now move up to the top four, that’s the importance of this win. And I think we were able the kind of game I’ve been looking for from my players,” Knights head coach Bonnie Tan said.

The Blazers tried to close the gap at 35-46 but Letran responded with another 16-5 run to pull away at 62-40, midway in the third canto.

The Knights’ lead reached as high as 30 points, 82-52, after back-to-back treys from Balanza and Jeo Ambohot early in the fourth period and CSB never recovered from that assault.

Kendrix Belgica led the Blazers with 12 points and seven rebounds while Yankie Haruna chipped in eight markers. Justin Gutang, the hero in CSB’s win against Jose Rizal University, was held down to just three points on an ugly 1-of-6 shooting from the field.

Letran’s win spoiled the return of CSB coach TY Tang from one-game suspension. The Blazers have now lost three of their last four games after an impressive 5-0 start.