CSB routs Letran

The College of St. Benilde Blazers sent the preseason favorites Letran Knights spiralling down even more as they won in convincing fashion, 77-60, in the 88th NCAA basketball tournament yesterday at the Arena in San Juan City.

The Knights appeared to live up to the hype during the opening playdate, where they upset last year’s runners-up San Sebastian.

However, that day seems to be far away now as the Knights dropped their third straight game and fell to 1-3 (win-loss). The Blazers, on the other hand, improved to 2-2.

The Knights appeared well in control as they led, 40-35, at halftime.

Even with star wingman Carlo Lastimosa playing limited minutes due to foul trouble, the Blazers came back behind Joel Tolentino, whose back-to-back three pointers helped propel them to a 56-50 lead heading to the fourth.

There, the Blazers asserted their will inside as they took advantage of the depleted frontline of Letran that was missing two starters in Raymund Almazan and Jam Cortes.

Tolentino finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists.