​FINDING strength when it mattered the most, College of Saint Benilde Blazers once again leaned on Ian Torres’ clutch game to escape San Beda College Red Lions, in a 77-75 nail-biter in their NCAA  Season 101 Game 2 matchup, on Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The point guard from Bacoor, Cavite, yet again saved the Blazers’ season after he delivered 12 points in the second half, including the game-winning o      ne-hander at the buzzer that routed the Red Lions and leveled the series to 2 games apiece.

Torres ended the game with 17 points, two rebounds, and two assists, following his 18-point game in the series opener, where Benilde got roasted by San Beda in a 91-72 blowout.

Supporting Torres, Allen Liwag contributed nine points and 15 rebounds, including the game-winning rebound and assist to Ian/

Tony Ynot followed suit with 19 points alongside seven rebounds and five assists, while Justine Sanchez delivered 14 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists for the Blazers.

Benilde head coach Charles Tiu shared the mindset that he told the team before the game. “We need to play the brand of basketball that put us in the Final 4. We cannot lose this game,” Tiu said. “Still, the job’s not done—our goal is to win the championship. Anything short would still be a disappointment for me and our team,” he then added.

On the other side of the court, Nygel Gonzales’ strong outing of 17 points, six rebounds, and two assists was not enough to book San Beda’s ticket back to the finals just yet. Gonzales stepped up for the injured Janti Miller, who sat out due to a right knee contusion.

Bryan Sajonia also put up 16 points, while Puno tallied 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals for the Red Lions.

With the first finals berth at stake, Benilde and San Beda will face off in a decisive and winner-take-all Game 3 on Sunday, December 7, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.