Denzil Walker Leads Knights Past Benilde with 21 Points
Letran turned its defensive emphasis into an 83-72 victory over College of Saint Benilde for another NCAA Season 102 win. Denzil Walker scored 21 points as the Knights secured their second consecutive victory and improved their record to 6-3.
Letran Rides Defense Past Benilde for Second Straight Win
One Sports covered Letran’s convincing Tuesday victory over Benilde at the San Juan Arena during NCAA Season 102 competition. The Knights improved to 6-3 after controlling the opening half and maintaining a double-digit advantage throughout the second half.
Head coach Allen Ricardo welcomed the result while making clear that consecutive victories had not completely satisfied his expectations. His assessment came after Letran limited Benilde to 72 points, the Blazers’ second-lowest scoring output through nine games.
“I’m happy, but not satisfied,” coach Allen Ricardo admitted.
Image from: GMA Network
Ricardo Makes Defense the Starting Point
Ricardo said Letran entered the week emphasizing defense as the foundation for creating a simpler approach throughout the game. The Knights followed that message by controlling Benilde early and preventing the Blazers from completing their third-quarter comeback attempt.
“Sabi ko sakanila this week, para dumali ‘yong basketball natin, we have to start in our defense and everything else will be easy from there. Ito yung resulta.”
Knights Build Double-Digit Lead Before Halftime
Letran established immediate separation by taking a 24-13 advantage after the opening quarter against Benilde on Tuesday. The Knights therefore entered the second period protecting an 11-point cushion after holding the Blazers to only 13 points.
Benilde generated 22 points during the second quarter, but Letran continued adding enough offense to preserve its comfortable advantage. The Knights reached halftime leading 48-35, carrying a 13-point margin into the break after controlling both opening periods.
Letran Takes 48-35 Advantage Into Break
Letran scored 48 first-half points while holding Benilde to 35, establishing control before the game’s decisive third-quarter sequence. The Knights had already created double-digit separation before the Blazers made their strongest push immediately following the halftime break.
Denzil Walker Leads Letran With 21 Points
Walker produced 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals while leading Letran across several statistical categories. His performance gave the Knights their leading scorer while contributing additional production through rebounding, playmaking, and defensive activity against Benilde.
The Blazers reduced Letran’s advantage to 48-38 early in the third quarter before the Knights immediately answered that challenge. Letran responded with a 12-4 run, capped by Walker’s three-point play that extended the advantage to 60-42.
Walker Answers Benilde’s Third-Quarter Push
Walker’s three-point play completed Letran’s 12-4 response after Benilde had reduced the deficit to 10 points following halftime. The Knights later entered the fourth quarter ahead 67-48, carrying a 19-point advantage into the game’s final period.
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Cargo, Buensalida and Santos Support Walker
Justin Cargo and Aaron Buensalida each scored 13 points, providing Letran with two additional double-digit scorers behind Walker. Kevin Santos contributed another 10 points, while Jimboy Gammad finished with nine during the Knights’ balanced scoring performance.
Benilde received 12 points apiece from Jhommel Ancheta and SJ Moore, who shared the team’s scoring lead Tuesday. Justine Sanchez added six points on 2-of-7 shooting as the Blazers finished with their second-lowest scoring total through nine games.
Four Knights Finish With Double-Digit Points
Walker led Letran with 21 points, while Cargo and Buensalida contributed 13 apiece and Santos finished with 10. Gammad narrowly missed double figures with nine points, giving the Knights another contributor during their second consecutive NCAA victory.
Letran Improves to 6-3 After Beating Benilde
Letran’s second consecutive victory improved its record to 6-3 and temporarily moved the Knights atop Group B in Season 102. Arellano remained nearby at 5-3, leaving Letran with limited separation as the group standings continued developing after Tuesday’s schedule.
Benilde also moved to 6-3 following the defeat, leaving the Blazers with the same overall record as Letran. The Knights nevertheless completed Tuesday’s matchup with consecutive victories after controlling Benilde from the opening quarter through the final period.
Blazers Fall to 6-3 After Offensive Struggles
Benilde dropped to 6-3 after finishing with 72 points, its second-lowest offensive output through nine Season 102 appearances. Ancheta and Moore led the Blazers with 12 points each, while Sanchez was limited to six during the defeat.
Analytical Breakdown: Letran’s Defense Set the Tone
Letran’s defensive pressure created easier offensive opportunities, allowing the Knights to establish control without depending heavily on difficult shot-making. Walker’s all-around production strengthened that formula, especially with Cargo, Buensalida, and Santos providing dependable secondary scoring throughout the victory. Maintaining this defensive discipline could make Letran increasingly difficult to beat as Group B positioning becomes more competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Letran beat Benilde in NCAA Season 102?
Letran defeated College of Saint Benilde, 83-72, to secure its second consecutive victory during the NCAA Season 102 tournament.
How many points did Denzil Walker score?
Denzil Walker scored 21 points while adding seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals during Letran’s victory over Benilde.
What is Letran’s NCAA Season 102 record?
Letran improved to 6-3 and temporarily moved atop Group B after securing its second consecutive NCAA Season 102 victory.
Who led Benilde in scoring?
Jhommel Ancheta and SJ Moore led Benilde with 12 points apiece during the Blazers’ 83-72 defeat against Letran.
How did Letran pull away from Benilde?
Letran answered Benilde’s third-quarter push with a 12-4 run before carrying a 67-48 advantage into the fourth period.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Tiebreaker Times.
