Dolphins rip Knights, stay in race for Final 4

Philippine Christian University closed out its elimination round schedule with a stunning 87-81 victory over Letran yesterday and kept its Final Four hopes alive in the 77th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

It was the fourth straight win – and the fifth in seven games in the second round – for the giant-killing Dolphins who, with a 7-7 record, remained in contention for any of the two slots left for the next round. Letran fell to 6-7.

PCU’s victory gave San Sebastian, last year’s losing finalist, a free ride into the semis with its 8-4 record. Jose Rizal University, on top of the field with a 10-2 card, is already in the semis slot with a twice-to-beat advantage even if it drops its last two games.

Defending champion St. Benilde continued its steady drive toward the semis by crushing an ousted San Beda squad, 91-74. The Blazers, who went on a five-game losing streak in the first round, improved to 7-6 while the Red Lions dropped to 2-11.

"The boys gave their hearts out in this game. God-willing, we’ll make it to the Final Four," said PCU coach Kevin Ramos. Whatever happens, it will be the best finish for the Dolphins, a low-profile team armed with a big fighting heart, since joining the league in 1996.