MANILA, Philippines – The Letran Knights, defending champions San Beda Red Lions and the Arellano University Chiefs came up with contrasting victories last Sunday in the 9th Fr. Martin Cup Collegiate Open at the Trinity University of Asia gym.

The Knights gave new mentor Caloy Garcia a warm welcome and a rousing debut with a 71-62 victory over the College of St. Benilde (CSB)-B Blazers, allowing them to barge into the quarterfinals with a six-game sweep of Group A.

Jayson Requejo and Andrei Pantin scored 16 pints each for the Knights, who took charge right away with a 20-8 first-quarter run.

Meanwhile, the Red Lions survived a late comeback by the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons to win, 63-61.

With assistant coach JB Sison and newly appointed mentor Caloy Garcia watching from the bench, the Red Lions picked up their second win in three games in Group A.

Baser Amer and Van Abatayo each scored 11 points to help San Beda remain in contention for a quarterfinals seat.

Francis Abarcar’s split at the free throw line in the final 6.4 seconds bailed the Red Lions out of trouble after UP rallied from seven points down in the last two minutes.

His basket came after the Maroons threated, 61-62, off a putback by Raul Soyud with 7.3 seconds left.

The Chiefs leaned Patrick Forrester to defeat the CSB-A Blazers, 89-79. Forrester scored 14 points in leading Arellano to their fourth win in five games in Group B.