Xyrus Dimao’s jumper and free throws by David Osborne and Keann Rivera in the final 32 seconds helped the Griffins clinch the hard-fought match and dealt the Pirates their first loss after winning their first four assignments in the Final Eight of the meet sponsored by Airfreight 2100, Villa de Oro-Boracay and www.university.com/ncraa.
The Griffins’ fourth win in five games tied them for second place with the Pirates, behind defending champion St. Francis, owner of the league’s best record at 13-0, including five straight in the quarterfinals.
Dimao shot a game-high 30 points including a big jumper with 32 seconds that shattered the game’s final deadlock at 72-all.
A missed putback by Raymond Refuerzo at the other end paved the way for three free throws by Osborne and Rivera that sealed the win for the Griffins.