Cebu champion University of Visayas displayed endgame poise as it walloped Jose Rizal, 86-78, yesterday to join seven other NCR teams in the next round at the Makati Coliseum.
Neil Raneses played like a killing machine in the fourth quarter as he erupted for 11 of his 21 points when the Lancers broke the backs of the Bombers.
"Sa wakas me nanalo ring team na taga probinsya kaya masayang masaya kami," said UV coach Boy Cabahug, who is assisted by fellow ex-PBA veteran Al Solis.
UAAP-NCAA Benefit Games titlist University of the East likewise booked a seat in the round-of-eight after it survived a tough University of San Jose-Recoletos, 74-67, earlier.
With Olan Omiping and James Yap hitting the perimeter shots, the Warriors erected a 62-41 edge late in the third period, a lead the Jaguars, runners-up to the Lancers in the Cebu collegiate league, failed for overhaul.
Yap, who finished with 15 points behind Omiping’s 16, and starting guard Paul Artadi had to leave early in the last canto because of their PBL commitments.
Yap has to attend practice with ICTSI-La Salle while Artadi, who contributed four assists, two points, a steal and a rebound, had to join Welcoat Pants in its game against Dazz Dishwashing Liquid in Pasig City yesterday.
Next stop for the back-to-back Cebu champions, the Lancers, is the Las Piñas Huskies, who stopped the St. Benilde Blazers, while the Warriors play the Stags on Wednesday.
Other quarterfinal pairings pit reigning UAAP titlist Ateneo against Santo Tomas and UniGames champion St. Francis of Assisi versus last-minute entry Far Eastern University.