MANILA, Philippines - National U put on a big run in the second half as it rallied to beat fancied La Salle, 71-59, and nail its first ever crown in the eighth Fr. Martin Division II Cup at San Beda’s St. Placid gym in Mendiola recently.
Bobby Ray Parks, son of former many-time PBA Best Import Bobby Sr., led the Bulldogs with 14 points while Cedric Labing-isa and former Perpetual Help standout Robin Rono came through with clutch baskets to help NU fashion out the come-from-behind win.
Jed Maguera and former RP Youth mainstay Norberto Torres paced the Archers with 19 and 18 points, respectively, while the comebacking LA Rivilla chipped in 13 points in the tournament backed by Molten and gameface,ph.
In juniors’ action, Hope Christian School completed the day of upsets after it brought down reigning back-to-back NCAA titlist San Beda, 96-66, to snare the championship in the meet organized by Ato Badolato and Joey Lim with Aric del Rosario.
NU athletic director Junel Baculi, who watched the finals game, said they’re happy with the result.
“We’re now starting to reap the fruits of the school’s labor and we hope to sustain the momentum by training harder,” said Baculi.