Dolphins rip reigning champs

Bernzon Franco stepped up as teammates Loreto Soriano and Jojo Roque struggled on the offensive end, leading Philippine Christian University to a 72-69 decision over defending champion San Sebastian yesterday in the 78th NCAA basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Franco, who honed up his skills playing for ICTSI La Salle in the PBL, erupted for a game-high 26 points, including four crucial free throws in the dying seconds that bailed the Dolphins out of trouble.

The Dolphins gained solo second place on their third win against a lone defeat. The Stags, meanwhile, fell to fourth place in a tie with the Mapua Cardinals and the Letran Knights at 2-2.

Jose Finuliar sank a baseline jumper with 17 seconds left in the clock as he lifted Jose Rizal University to an 82-80 triumph over San Beda in the other game. The Bombers moved to third place with a 3-2 card.

Soriano and Roque, averaging 36 points a game together, groped for form and finished with a combined output of only 17 points.

Still, the Dolphins put up a tough stand and outlasted the Stags in a close match – thanks to the heroics of Franco, who fired 16 points in the last quarter.

"Halos palitan lang kami ng tira at turnover sa fourth quarter. Mas swinerte lang kami sa closing seconds," said PCU coach Jimmy Mariano.

The Dolphins and the Stags figured in a see-saw duel in the stretch until Franco settled the outcome of the game on four free throws.

The Stags led for the last time at 66-64 on a three-pointer by Paul Reguerra.