Greenies turn back STI, share second

MANILA, Philippines - La Salle pulled off a 67-66 squeaker over STI College to grab a share of the second spot in Group A of the third Freego Filipino-Chinese Basketball League (FCBL) Cup over the weekend at the Phil. Buddhacare Gym in Quezon City.

Jon Villaruz hit the game-winning free throws for Greenies with less than a minute left and STI’s Reno Alcantara lost control of the ball in their final possession and failed to get an attempt to absorb their second straight loss in the annual high school cagefest also supported by Smart Communications.

Villaruz finished with 12 points and five rebounds to lead LSGH in its second win and join Ateneo at No. 2 position with 2-1 mark, a game behind Mapua (3-0). Villaruz was also named the Freego Player of the Game.

Alcantara had 14 points including three triples to bag the Energen 3-point shooter of the game.

Jose Rizal University turned back Xavier School, 84-81, to remain unscathed in the tournament also supported by Mighty Sports, Colt Commercial, Star Galaxy Industrial Fabricator Inc., Powerbest Marketing Inc., Mandarin Sky Seafood and Shabu-Shabu Restaurant, Multimotors Auto Part Inc. and Apple Tape.

John Fernandez finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds for the Light Bombers (3-0), who trailed by as much as 13 points in the first quarter but came back strong in the next stage and even took a 40-39 halftime lead.

Bryan Tan and Angelo Wongchuking combined for 32 points for Xavier, which dropped to 1-2.

San Beda also remained unbeaten after two games after demolishing Far Eastern University, 105-75, in Group B match. Ponzo Gotladera had 18 points and 14 rebounds to pace the Red Cubs while Austin Fabian led Baby Tams (2-2) with 25 markers.