Perpetual reaches national studes quarters

LEGAZPI City — Kemuel Proceso played the hero’s role as University of Perpetual Help System slipped past University of Mindanao, 66-63, yesterday, and moved into the quarterfinal round of the National Students Basketball championship at the Albay Astrodome here.

Proceso finished with 17 points, but his biggest baskets came in the last seven seconds of the game when he sank two free throws to preserve the win.

It was the Laguna Altas’ second win in three starts, as they joined defending champion St. Francis of Assisi College in the quarterfinal round, which starts today.

The Doves had earlier made it into the next round following victories over UPHS and Bicol College. They are still playing against Luzon University as of presstime.

University of the East also easily advanced into the quarterfinals after scoring back-to-back wins over Divine Word College of Legazpi and Southern City College.

Philippine Maritime Institute, which were led by Nino Marquez and Nino Catingbang with 17 points each, clobbered Aquinas University, 112-70, and move to within a win of making it to the next round.

Marco Alejar added 15 points, while Vinzon Vivera had 10 for UPHS, while Jasper Callo and Leo Birando led UM with 16 and 15 points.

In juniors play, San Beda College stifled the high-scoring Kenneth Bono to prevail over Iloilo Chinese Commercial High School, 82-66, and stay unbeaten after three games. Claiford Ford and Bono, who are both 6-5s, took on each other, but the Red Cubs center had the better of Iloilo’s ace, who was limited to only eight points in the third period.

Casio led with 31 points, while Arao added 19. Bono despite the defensive pressure from Arao still led the Ilonggos with 31 points.

In the lone women’s game, Lyceum University flashed its might early and didn’t ease off en route to a 125-17 rout of the Naga City selection. Joan Grajales led Lyceum with 26 points.

Meanwhile, basketball Association of the Philippines chairman Rep. Antonio Abaya passed away yesterday morning after a lingering illness.

Abaya’s remains lie in state at Funeraria Paz at Araneta Ave. His body will be flown today in Isabela where he served as congressman.